Obituary of Elizabeth H. Ackell

Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Houck Ackell, 97, recently of State College, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022 at The Oaks at Pleasant Gap. Born on March 15, 1925, in Shenandoah, PA, she was the daughter of the late Honorable Henry H. Houck and Emily (Karpowsky) Houck. On June 13, 1948, she married Russell Ackell, who preceded her in death on June 10, 2016.

Betty graduated from Bryn Mawr College in May of 1947 with a BA in Economics. Following marriage, she resided in the Philadelphia area and was a homemaker and a bookkeeper for her husband's business. Betty was devoted to her family, including the family Boxers. She enjoyed holiday dinners, crossword puzzles, murder mysteries, politics, and American history. We enjoyed the delicious cakes, cookies, and pies that she baked. Betty was an avid tennis player, who played into her late seventies with tenacity and her typical quiet determination. She was kind and patient in all endeavors.

She is survived by her two sons: Dr. Peter (Laurie) Ackell of Appleton, WI; Henry (Liz Franklin) Ackell of North Wales, PA; a daughter: Emily (Jaime) Jamison of State College, PA; her six grandchildren: Andrew Ackell of Chicago, IL; William Ackell of Milwaukee, WI; Patricia Ackell of Reading, PA; Katie (James) McNair of Nashville, TN; Maggie (Chris) Miller of Chicago, IL; Eleanor Jamison of State College, PA; a nephew: David (Cynthia Back) Goodman; and two nieces: Sarah (Harvey) Perry, and Ann (Tom) Doubleday.

In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother: Paul Winters Houck; and her sister: Margaret Houck Goodman. Betty was the last of her generation.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Betty's memory to Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries (ALSM), 998 Logan Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.

The family would like to thank Grane Hospice and Betty's extended family of caregivers at The Oaks at Pleasant Gap for the devotion and compassion they showed her in her final days.

The family will hold a private celebration of Betty's life at a later date.