Elizabeth Akers

Elizabeth Akers, 52, passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018 at her home in Grimes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 6 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Urbandale. Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Elizabeth spent her early years in Valparaiso, Indiana. After graduation from high school, she moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where she attended classes at DMACC and was employed by XPO Logistics for 18 years as a CSR. Elizabeth was instrumental in the founding of Summer Wind Farm and its therapeutic horsemanship program. She was hard working in business management, assisted with disabled riders and with desensitizing horses. Liz worked with her own horse to be comfortable around wheelchair, including Liz’s own eventually. Her “happy place” was wherever she was with a camera in her hand. Talented and artistic, she had her photographs displayed at the Iowa State Fair with over 5,000 more to be viewed on “Flickr.” Her “snowflake” photo was so beautiful it was published. A fun loving soul with integrity and loyalty, Elizabeth was selfless. She was pure of heart and gave freely of her time and energy. She was fierce in her love for others and for her Lord and Savior. Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Joe; son, Noah; mother, Janice (Norm) Rouse; father, Thomas (Marianne) Gaio; stepdaughter, Jennyfer Akers; stepsons, Jaymes and Jeremyah Akers; sister, Angela (Gerry) Krupp; brother, Anthony Gaio; and stepsisters, Karen Swalwell and Julie Bergbreiter. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Margaret Dragus and John and Ann Gaio; and stepbrother, Curt Rouse. Memorial contributions may be given to: ALS TDI http://www.als.net or Hospice of Central Iowa.