In Memory

Phyllis Clark (Akers) - Class Of 1947

Phyllis Clark (Akers)

Phyllis Jean Akers, of Rockville, went to be with the Lord on September 6, 2019, at her residence, surrounded by her family. Phyllis was born on January 30,1929, in Mishawaka, IN to Paul Clark and Alice Monroe Clark. She was a 1947 graduate of Rockville High School. On September 13, 1947 she married Robert L. Akers and he preceded her in death in 1993.

She is survived by seven children: Mary Alice (Phillip) Gregg; Jane (Harold) Noel; Ron (Marcia) Akers; Roger (Karen) Akers; Sally (Walt) McArty; Rusty (Shelly) Akers; and Vera Akers. There are also 16 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. Also surviving are three sisters: Carolyn Rogers; Barbara White; and Paula (Bill) Hill: brother-in-law, Rick (Jean) Akers; and sister-in-law Barbara (Andy) Schouten. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard S. Clark. She loved her family, and working with kids, being involved and helping whomever was in need.

Phyllis enjoyed working with the developmentally disabled. She worked at Child-Adult Resource Services for 17 years and then served on their Board of Directors. She organized the Special Olympics in Parke County and recruited several county organizations to help support the program. In 1965, she was involved with the first Head Start Program. After leaving CARS she became the Food Service Director at Rockville Junior Senior High School and retired in 2007 with 22 years of service. Known as “Granny Akers”, She enjoyed the students and when she learned of a student in need, she was there to help. In addition to her full-time job, she established her own business, “Akers Catering and Cake Decorating.” She loved trying new recipes, cooking and baking. Phyllis held workshops on cake decorating to share her techniques and ideas with others. She had also judged cake decorating and food projects at several county fairs throughout Indiana. 

Parke County 4-H was a passion of hers. She served as a 4-H leader for 53 years, served on Fair Board, 4-H Council, Queen Pageant Committee, assisted with mini 4-H and was a member of the 4-H Hall of Fame. 

Other memberships included American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hat Society; and was Charter member of the Covered Bridge Home Economics Club. Phyllis was a member of the Rockville First United Methodist Church, where she served as a volunteer greeter for tourists during the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival and assisted with the after-school program, “Kids for Christ”.
In 2000, she received the Indiana Jefferson Award for her outstanding volunteerism. This award is presented as an effort to recognize people who shun the spotlight, yet whose efforts for a good cause are an inspiration to others. She touched many lives and made a difference.

Visitation is scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2019, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Rockville First United Methodist Church, 128 N. Market St., Rockville, IN. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, September 10 at 11:00 AM at the church with Pastors Jon Overbey and Deb Hardin officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Garden Cemetery, Rockville.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Parke County 4-H Council, PO Box 146, Rockville, IN 47872 or to the Rockville First United Methodist Church; Buddy Bag program at PO Box 142, Rockville IN 47872, envelopes will be available at the church.

Arrangements by Barnes and Rice Funeral Home.

 

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