Barbara A. Bennett Akers

Barbara Ann Bennett Akers RN (74), born April, 26 1938 in Bay City MI, passed away on October 17, 2012 at Stratford Village Nursing home after a long medical illness. Daughter of Kenneth A. and Margaret (DeGrace) Bennett. She is survived by three children, and eight grand children and one great grandchild: Janice Akers of Martinez, Georgia, Jerry (Colette) Akers of Spring Lake, and Julie (Greg) Kramer of Midland. Grandchildren include Corey, Jonathan, and Devon Churchfield; Thomas (Amy) and Brian Akers; Charles, Jacob, Cathlyn, and Kirk Kramer. Two brothers and one sister: Dr. Kenneth (Ella) Bennett of Alicante Spain; James (Bonnie) Bennett of Port Charlotte, FL; and Joanne (Bruce) Smith of Goodyear, AZ, fifteen nieces and nephews. Special cousins Nancy Bennett and Susie Bennett Coughlin, and many special friends. Barbara was a graduate of Bay City Central High School (1956), Hurley Hospital School of Nursing (1960). Saginaw Valley State University (1976) Summa Cum Laud in Nursing. She was employed at Indiana University Hospital, Marion County General Hospital, Bay Osteopathic Hospital, Bay Medical Center, and Bay County Health Department for 20 years. Barbara retired from Bay County in 1995. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Chapel Lane Presbyterian in Midland, Bay City Players, Bay County Regional Nurses' Assoc., American Red Cross, Eastern Star of Bay City and Bay County Historical Society. She was active in First Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir for many years before moving to Midland to be closer to family. Many of her interests included River of Time, Bay County Historical Society, and Saginaw Recreation Area, and the Bay County Historical Museum. Barbara will be missed by many as she was very compassionate, caring, kind, loving and willing to help anyone in need. Her children would like to thank MidMichigan Home Care Hospice, MidMichigan Stratford Village and Colonial Villa of Midland for her care over the last several months of her life. At Barbara's request cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place Sunday, October 28, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church followed by a celebration dinner at the church at 4:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Weenink with private inurnment in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers those planning and expression of sympathy may wish to direct donations to the American Red Cross or to the Bay City Players. www.gephartfuneralhome.com