Betty Jean Akard, 86, of Hot Springs, Ark., went to be with her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020.
She was born on Jan. 31, 1934, in Union Grove, Okla., to Charlie and Clarsie (Cox) Gurley. Betty was the glue to her family, playing the part of cherished mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her joy was found in Jesus and her family, and she was known by everyone for her unmatched personality and sense of humor. She loved spending time in her garden, playing the slot machine, handing out candy to children at church, doing crossword puzzles, smoking and talking about her family to anyone who would listen. Betty was a successful business owner of Answer Idabel, a clothing boutique, Hot Springs Answering Service and multiple hair salons, including Beaute Bazaar. She took pride in pioneering a pager service in McCurtain County when she owned Answer Idabel.
Betty was preceded in death by her mother, Clarsie (Cox) Gurley; her father, Charlie Gurley; her four sisters, Kathleen, Dorothy, Lois and Margie; and great-grandson, Cadence.
She is survived by her son, Wentz Akard (Tracy Akard); her two daughters, Kea Hampton (Bobby Hampton) and Lea Ann Rynders (Steve Rynders); her brother, Buster Gurley; nine grandchildren, Ashley Rodgers, Deuce Rynders, D'Ambra Hawkins, Taylor Gigerich, Matt Hampton, Wentz Akard III, Haley Gonzalez, Andrea Akard and Kelly Huey; and 22 great-grandchildren, Hanna, Brendan, Easton, Mattison, Lilly, Kynli, Wentz IV, Kevin II, Drew, Brinkley, Bentley, Bo, Riley, Rita, Hollis Ann, Stone, Max, Thomas, Bristol, Gentry, Aybree and Gunner.
There will be a graveside service held at Haworth Cemetery in Haworth, Okla., on Saturday, Nov. 28. Due to the current health pandemic, there will be a private celebration of Betty Akard's life for family only immediately following the burial.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mi Esperanza (http://www.thewomenofmyhope.org).
Online condolences can be shared at http://www.caruth-hale.com.