Doris Elaine Ackerman
Born June 20, 1925
She went home to sing in God's Choir May 4, 2014. Doris Betcher was born in Stewartville, Minnesota, lived in Iowa after her marriage to Garnes Ackerman in 1945, and moved to Tucson in 1960. In 1980, she and her husband moved to the Green Valley area, and in 2003 she returned to Tucson. She participated in her husband's financial and car-wash businesses, and worked several years for Hughes before her retirement. She was very active in the Dolphinette auxiliary of the Green Valley chapter of the Submarine Veterans of WWII. A devoted wife, mother and friend, she served God, family, and community all her life. She was a gifted musician and played several instruments in addition to singing in many choirs throughout her life. Sewing was also a special talent, and she used her skill crafting garments for her family, and also items ranging from choir robes to boat covers. She was preceded in death by Garnes, her husband of 49 years, and six of her seven siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Judy Kimball of Oregon; daughter, Lissa (Richard) Schad and son, Brian of Tucson; her brother, Gordon and wife, Connie of Sun City, AZ and sisters-in-law, Donna Betcher of Sun City, AZ, and Betty Anderson of California. She has six grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Her beautiful smile, her lovely voice and her kind and generous spirit will be missed by all. She greeted everyone she met with a smile and a hug, visited shut-ins, donated to her church ministries and lived each day to the fullest. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please honor her by following her example. There will be a song-fest celebration for her at Friendship Villas #2, 6505 N. La Cholla, on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Her life will also be celebrated in song at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7570 N. Thornydale, at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2014 just before the worship service. Arrangements by HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME.