Betty Justina Akers

Betty Justina Akers, age 85 of Warren, died Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Clare Bridge of Utica Nursing Home in Utica, Michigan. She was born March 9, 1930 in Detroit, daughter of the late August and the late Elizabeth (nee: Schneider) Renkert.Born in Detroit and growing up as an Eastsider, Betty's schooling included attending Vonstueben Elementary, which was followed by her years at East Detroit High School from where she ultimately graduated.As a young kid, her brother Tom reflects on the great and memorable times he and his sister shared as they would stroll through the neighborhoods caroling and sharing their hearts in song. It was merely something they enjoyed around Christmastime, rather the whole year through.Following her high school years, and amidst the onset of adulthood, Betty became increasingly close with her sister, Mary,…a sibling relationship that became even more special in the friendship that grew between them. They shared so much together, especially an appreciation and love of horseback riding which they enjoyed at the, now historic, Finley Stables. Her burgeoning adulthood would eventually lead to marriage, then family, in whom she raised 4 wonderful sons. These sons would eventually have children of their own, the special cherubs and "apples of her eye" that Betty loved spending time with at every opportunity afforded. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and provided countless hours of pleasure and youthfulness,…the things that keep us young and vibrant.Like many Mom's and Grandma's out there, Betty knew her way around the kitchen and could produce some incredible magic with a stove and oven. She loved to cook and was quite adept in her kitchen talents, particularly when it came time for cooking at the holidays. Betty possessed a flair for entertaining and managed to whip up some memorable holiday feasts that were both festive and inviting. And not just at the holidays, yet all year through, Betty was known for a special gift she possessed in creating some of the most beautiful cakes anyone has ever seen. Whether it was birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or even that obscure occasion, Betty's cake-making skills were often sought after,…with every bite!The Akers family had a special getaway that was located up at Canadian Lakes, an escape from the concrete jungle that she visited at every opportunity available. One of her favorite pastimes while up there was the pleasure she derived from "swingin' the clubs." The game of golf might have had its challenges from time to time, but nothing says "fun" more than a sunny day with a fellow golfer on the links,…of course, always seeking that infamous Hole in One. Another memory that will forever be revisited from her time up north are the many times that Betty was espied cruisin' around the lake in her little aluminum boat. It may have been a meager vessel, but she was always the proud Captain. Betty loved staying active and enjoyed some other sporting venues such as Cross-Country Skiing, Tennis, and Bowling. She shared her appreciation for bowling with a host of other friends & fellow rollers on the many leagues she was a member of over the years.During her sons' youthful years, some of Betty's fondest memories were woven around the camping experiences they shared together. Before the cottage came the tenting, and Betty was up for "roughin' it" with the best of them. As for another youthful experience that made it to the book of happiness, she was known for her love of roller coasters,…and of course, she and the boys shared this love equally, and in spades!Following her retirement, Betty decided to scratch that traveling itch within and enjoyed visiting some beautiful and scenic splendors such as Australia, New Zealand, Montreal, and Quebec. Of course, her travels also took her to many other destinations here in the states, one of the treasured locations being Lakeland, Florida where she joined her brother Tom at the Detroit Tigers training camp. Baseball & Florida,…now there's a match made in Heaven, eh?Among all the traits and passions she held, perhaps it was her "servant's heart" that spoke volumes to the fabric of her soul. Woven with a care and selflessness that put others' needs ahead of her own, Betty often volunteered her time between Beaumont Hospital in Troy, her church, and with her fellow members in the Lioness Club. Always giving,…always sharing,…and always willing to reach out and lend a hand, Betty's thoughtfulness will forever live on in the many hearts and lives she touched along the way.A loving Mom and Grandma, Betty leaves a legacy of love that will be embraced with each reflection shared. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Betty was the beloved mother of Alan (Carol Neefe) Akers, Gary (Barbara) Akers, Keith (Beth) Akers, and Rodney (Lisa) Akers. Loving grandmother of Kirk (Veronica), Elizabeth, Tess, Amanda, Adam, Tina, and great-grandmother of Cecilia. Sister of Thomas (Pat) Renkert and Mary (Raymond) Chuhran. Visitation for Betty will be held Thursday, August 20th from 3-9pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. She will lie in state on Friday from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00 am at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 23000 Gratiot Avenue in Eastpointe. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery adjacent to the church. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer's Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, MI 48033,…or to the St. Peter's Foundation, 23000 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, Michigan. Please share memories of Betty at her memory book above.