Claudia Ann Atkinson, 69 of Nevada, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.

Claudia was born March 27, 1955, in Nevada, Iowa, the daughter of Herman Edward Corbin and Barbara Ann Cook. She attended Nevada High School. Claudia was united in marriage to Rickie Don Atkinson at the Assembly of God Church in Nevada on July 3, 1972. Together Rick and Claudia had three children. After having her children, she earned her associate degree from DMACC in Criminal Justice and furthered her education at Drake University studying Criminal Law. Claudia worked as a counselor for the Newton Correctional Facility, retiring in 2016.

Claudia was a member of the Iowa Disaster Behavioral Response Team and the Criminal Victim Crisis Response Team, which took her to New York City following 9/11 to counsel the police and firefighters involved in recovery efforts. She enjoyed flowers, gardening, shopping, reading, and traveling. Claudia was a kind and gentle person who put others needs above her own. Claudia especially loved her grandchildren and spending time with her family. To Claudia family was everything.

Claudia is survived by her husband, Rick of Nevada; her children, Celeste (Franklin) Goerner of Colo, Melissa (Ashton) Ellis of Nevada and Nicholas (Christina) Atkinson of Zearing; her grandchildren, Elizabeth (Nathan) Khan, Ananaki and Nephilim Ellis, Anthony, Tyler, Landon and Avary Jones, Ruckus and Sophia Atkinson; her stepmom, Sandy Corbin of Des Moines; her sister, Diana (Louis) McCray of Des Moines, her brother, Kent (Teri) Corbin of Urbandale, her brother, Dan Corbin (Kay) of Des Moines, her brother-in-law, Paul Atkinson of Nevada; her sister-in-law, Edna (Fred) Foster of Trenton, MO; along with several nieces and nephews. Claudia was preceded in death by her father, Herman Corbin; her mom and stepdad, Barbara, and Clyde Ball; her brothers, John Corbin (in infancy), Ralph Corbin and Rex Ball.

A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada with Pastor David Burling officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in memory of Claudia.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.