Arbutus (Handshoe) Lykins, "Grandma Boot", age 88, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at her home in Mansfield, Ohio. She was born on Dec. 2, 1932 in Knott County Kentucky. Grandma Boot was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was a gentle God fearing woman who married to the love of her life at age 14, Milton Lykins. She had two beautiful children, Ruth and Ed, and raised two of her granddaughters upon the death of her daughter-in-law.
"Boot" was a 50's housewife who opened her home and heart to many people and family members over the years. Arbutus cared for her father-in-law and daughter-in-law during times in her life and also cared for her mother and husband at home until they passed. She loved yearly fishing trips to Canada with her family and friends and traveling to her daughters home in Florida to visit three of her granddaughters. Vegetable gardening, canning and flower beds were her hobbies along with serving, decorating and big family dinners. Something you may not know about Boots; she was very active in the Nazarene Church in the 50's and 60's, taught Sunday school and proudly graduated her 2 children. She and her husband also designed their basement of their family home on Austin Drive for big Sunday school parties and family get-togethers. She will be greatly missed by all of the people who know her. She was a member of the Willard Baptist Church and was a loving mother, sister and grandmother.
She is survived by 5 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Milton E. Lykins, daughter, Ruth Ann Dawson, son, Edwin Lykins and granddaughter, Kimberly L. Davidson.
There will be no calling hours or funeral at this time. Burial will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio at a later date. Secor Funeral Home in Willard, Ohio assisted the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Hospice of Mansfield, 335 Glessner Ave., Mansfield, OH 44903. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.secorfuneralhomes.com.