ASHTON – Mary A. Ackerson, 96, lifelong Ashton area resident, died Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2017 in The Meadows at Franklin Grove. Born Nov. 20, 1920 in Shaw Station, the daughter of Sherman and Eva (Turner) Shaw.
Married to Roy Harold Ackerson in 1940; he died in 2003. Mary was a graduate of Lee Center High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree in education from Northern Illinois University. She taught fifth grade at Ashton Elementary School for 30 years, retiring in 1980. Mary was a member of Ashton United Methodist Church and formerly a member of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. She was an avid reader.
Survived by daughters: Sharon (Bill) Wagner of Oregon, Sandy (Jerry) Garkey of Florida, Vicki Dawson of Texas, and Pamela (Gary) Ferguson of Freeport; 7 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and a brother, Sherman (Donna) Shaw of La Moille.
Also predeceased by her parents; grandson, Sean Garkey; son-in-law, Lynn Cater; 4 brothers; and 2 sisters.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family. Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon, assisted the family with arrangements.
