Emily Barrett Akins

CASA GRANDE - Emily Barrett Akins, 20, of Casa Grande died on April 9, 2016, at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center.

Ms. Akins was born on Oct. 31, 1995, in Tucson. She was an animal trainer and loved to skateboard and take walks in the desert. She collected rocks and loved animals and riding her bicycle, writing music and poetry, and reading.

She was very involved in Junior ROTC in high school and Toys for Tots and was president of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She loved running track in high school and texting on her phone. She was a member of the Church of Christ in Casa Grande and enjoyed helping others.

Survivors include her mother, Carole Anne Dixon of Sacaton; her father and stepmother, Lonnie and Jo Ann Akins of Casa Grande; two brothers, Doyle Dixon III of Sacaton and Scott Roberts of Coolidge; a sister, Sheri Roberts of Arizona City; and her grandmother Betty Silguero of Casa Grande. She was preceded in death by her stepfather, Doyle E. Dixon Jr., and grandparents, John and Louise Barrett and Aaron Silguero.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. A celebration of life will follow at 11, with Pastor Gary Knighton officiating. Another celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. April 23 at the Church of Christ, with Pastor Lester Bagley officiating.