Patricia "Pat" Ackerman of Longboat Key, Florida, and formerly of Mt. Vernon, IL passed away a day before her 75th birthday at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL on June 20, 2008.

She was born June 21, 1933 to Dr. Clifford & Bea (Thompson) Becherer in Elgin, IL. She married Alan Ackerman in Peoria, Il at the First Presbyterian Church on February 8, 1963 and he survives in Longboat Key, FL.

After attending East Peoria city schools, Pat graduated from Beloit College in 1955 with a Bachelors Degree. She was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and in 1955 was elected “The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi”. After graduation, she taught for several years in the East Peoria grade school system.

Pat moved to Mt. Vernon in 1963 as Alan was assigned the Southern Illinois territory by his employer, Keystone Steel & Wire Co. She remained in Mt. Vernon until Alan retired from Southern Illinois Asphalt Co. in 1996 and moved to Longboat Key, FL.

Pat was active in community affairs. In addition to membership in several book clubs, she was Republican Chairwoman for Jefferson County for ten years. She enjoyed politics the rest of her life. She also enjoyed working at Good Samaritan Hospital for the Ladies Auxiliary and served a one year term as president.

At her home in Longboat Key, Fl. she was active in her condominium association serving on several committees. She was very involved with her church, the Longboat Key Island Chapel, and was on the Chapel's Board of Directors.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a daughter Bea and husband Larry Nixon; a brother Kenneth Becherer, three grandchildren, Amanda Taylor and husband Rick, Michael Nixon, and Riki Nixon and her fiancé Mitchell Jenkins; two great grandchildren, Bailey Taylor and Cole Taylor.

She was preceded in death by her son, Rick Ackerman on October 30, 1980.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday June 24 at 10 a.m at Newell Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Sells officiating with Burial following at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends may call at Newell Funeral Home from 5 pm until 8 pm Monday June 23, 2008.

For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Longboat Island Chapel and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information call Newell Funeral Home at 618.246.0100

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Submitted by Kiowana Hayes Ferguson