Aunt Betty

Betty Gardner Ackerlind 1930 ~ 2009 On August 1 2009, I peacefully surrendered to breast cancer after 34 years. The cancer metastasized to the lungs and bones, even though I had never smoked.I was born October 17, 1930 in Neola, Utah to Mary Mazella Jensen Gardner and Leonard Derle Gardner. Our family including three older sisters, Lila, Carol and Gwen, moved to Salt Lake when I was 11. I graduated from East High and University of Utah, later returned for a Masters in Educational Psychology. I married Curtis E. Ackerlind, Jr. in November 1951 in the L.D.S. Temple. We were divorced several years later. I also received a temple divorce. We traveled in the Air Force for six and a half years, later making our home in Salt Lake. I worked for oil and gas companies; in equal opportunity for minorities and women (topic of my Thesis); in a young adult offenders program (alternative to jail and prison). I always wanted to have children of my own so I became the next best thing, a counselor at East High, retiring 1992. One highlight in my life was becoming baptized at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in November 1994. I have found an inner peace since learning about the wonderful grace of Jesus. The combination of the love for my L.D.S. family, my church family, and many friends, has helped me through the highs and lows of my life. Via de Cristo (four day and nights with Jesus and women from many different churches) was another highlight. I have been on prayer team of Christian Motorcycle Association. I enjoyed co-leading groups and reading and writing poetry. My best friend Jesus and my soul-mate my Westie dog, Angel. I am survived by my sister Lila Turnbow and brother-in-law Wally (Penny) Donaldson; nieces and nephews: Sheree (Bob) Barnes, Dave Donaldson, Lee (Meg) Donaldson, Susan (Harvey) Hawkes, Linda Matulich, Rich (Carolyn) Sutherland, Hal (Julie) Turnbow; many special grand-nieces and nephews; and my "would like to adopt" children at Good Shepherd. Preceded in death by my parents; sisters, Gwen Donaldson and Carol Gilliam; and grand-nephew Andy Matulich. A special thanks to Dr. Kent DiFiore, my oncologist since 1988; my friend, Gene Westerman who drove me to treatments; and Carol McPherson who stayed at my bedside; and CNS Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made through Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for CMA (Christian Motorcycle Association), Sandra Hays' Salvation Army Ministry or WOW (Women of the World) projects (make checks out to GSLC and write ministry name in memo). Please join my family in the celebrations of Jesus and the influence he has had upon my life on Friday, August 7, 2009 at 12:00 noon and one hour prior to services at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 S. 700 E., Sandy 84070. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 South Highland Drive.