Betty Lou Akers

She was born on February 23, 1933 in Morningside, South Dakota to Deloris Elsie "Billie" and Arthur A. "Art" Schinderling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer L. Akers, her parents, two sisters, Shirley M. Smith and Dorothy E. Tuff, and a son, Raymond A. McLallen. She is survived by two half-sisters, Marsha P. Hodges and Dixie DeBarthe, and a niece, Sheryl M. Smith, a daughter, Dolores L. Owen, and grandchildren, David K. Tripp, Trevor L. Torrez, Kelli A. Fisher, and Kerri E. Torrez. She is also survived by several great grandchildren.

Betty was married to her first husband, Samuel Raymond McLallen, which ended in divorce (1950-1953). She married Elmer Lloyd Akers December 13, 1957, divorced in February 1958, and remarried April 12, 1963. They remained married until Elmer's death in 2000.

She worked for many years in the wire room at Wilcox Electric before retiring. She loved to listen to country music of the 1950s and 1960s and loved to dance while her husband played and sang in a band. She was also an avid bingo player and visited Harrah's Casino often. Betty was known for her independence and sense of humor, leaving her family with cherished memories and stories of growing up in South Dakota with her sisters.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the love and memories she leaves behind. Her strength and spirit will remain with us always.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Graveside Service at White Chapel Cemetery, 6600 NE Antioch Rd., Gladstone, MO 64119 on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 12:00 Noon. Betty’s ashes will be laid to rest with her husband, Elmer. Please share memories and condolences on the White Chapel Funeral Home website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KC Hospice, Visiting Angels of Gladstone, or Alzheimer's organization.