Betty Ackles (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Betty Florence Ackles, age 86, of Bolivar, Missouri, passed away at her home, on Sunday, June 10, 2018. Betty Florence Anderson was born on May 13, 1932 in Preston, Missouri. She was one of nine children born to Alva Granvel “Jake” and Mary Cela (Wilson) Anderson. She attended school at Morgan Elementary where she would walk to school with her siblings. She then attended the Preston High School and graduated in 1950. When she was a young girl there was a neighboring family that took her to a tent revival and that is where she fell under conviction. At a later time she was Saved in her bed underneath a big tree in her family’s yard.
Betty was married to Wilfred Carl Ackels on July 29, 1952. They were married by Thomas Lytle, “a man of faith” at Burns, MO. After they married, Carl was deployed and served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed overseas. Betty worked at Sears Robuck’s store in Kansas City, MO. She later moved back to Half Way, MO to help care for her mother-in-law, Rosa Ackels, until her death.
After Carl returned from his service in the Army, they began their family. They lived in Half Way, MO where they raised their four children; Steven Darell, Anita Carol, Arminta Florence, and Billy Lawrence.
Betty was a 4-H leader and a member of a Century 4-H family. She loved to grow flowers and tend to her yard and garden. She knitted many afghans and pairs of slippers for family and friends. She enjoyed raising dogs and goats. She was an accomplished cook and bread maker. But if you ask any of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren they will tell you her no bake cookies were the best! In later years she took on the hobby of painting.
She is proceeded in death by her husband, Carl Ackels (1985); her parents, Jake and Cela Anderson; her brothers, Alva Wilson Anderson, Ronnie Anderson, and George Anderson; her twin brother Billy Lawrence Anderson when they were 2 ½ years old, a loss that she felt the remainder of her life; her brother-in-laws, James Ackels and Carl Howard; her sister-in-laws, Dorothy Anderson, Shirley Anderson, and Ann Anderson; and her nephew Donnie Howard.
Betty is survived by her sisters and brother-in-law, Elizabeth Howard of Napa, CA, and Kaye & James Thomas of Aldrich, MO; her brothers, Gene Anderson of Dyer, IN. and Bob Anderson of Oakley, ID; her sister-in-law, Katie Anderson of Preston, MO; her brother-in-laws, Samuel Otis (Darell) & Jeannie Ackels of Marshfield, MO and David Ackels of CA; her 4 children and their spouses; Steven & Debbie Ackels of Half Way, MO; Anita & Johnny Hampton of Bolivar, MO; Arminta & Roger Hickman of Half Way, MO; and Bill & Stephanie Ackels of Goodson, MO.
Betty was very proud of her 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; Shane & Aubrey Hampton and their 2 children, Chase and Grace of Bolivar, MO; Christy & Jesse Sheppeck, and their 3 daughters, Hannah, Allee, and Emma of Bolivar, MO; Paul Ackels and his 3 children, Clarissa, Oliver, and Olivia of Pleasant Hope, MO; Stephanie & Aaron Doutt, and their 2 children, Katelyn and Elijah of Fort Carson, CO; Elizabeth Hickman and her daughter Ivy, of Half Way, MO; Matthew Hickman of Half Way, MO; Colton Ackels, Carl Ackels, and Mattie Ackels all of Goodson, MO. Many arguments were had over the years of who was Granny’s favorite, as each one was convinced they were the favorite! She had an unlimited amount of love for each grandchild and great-grandchild. She always gave each of them the gifts of her time, love, and words of wisdom.
Betty has left her family with a legacy of love, kindness, and compassion. She will live in our hearts forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Betty ?
What’s a lesson you learned from Betty ?
Share a story where Betty 's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Betty you’ll never forget.
How did Betty make you smile?
