Larene Akers

LaRene was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on January 16, 1930 to Louis and Daisy Bernet. An only child, "Rene" as she was always called, loved life and was always a joyful and happy child. Music and singing was a huge part of her life, receiving instruction as a child from her father, Louis, who was a band member of Oklahoma A & M, now Oklahoma State University, and who taught band in many schools, finishing out his career at Ralston. At the age of 12 she even sang for her grandparent's fiftieth wedding anniversary in front of 150 people gathered for a surprise party for the couple. Rene went to grade school at Varnem, Oklahoma, where her parents taught as well, then graduated high school from Ralston High School, now Woodlands School. Marrying Wally Akers in 1951, she continued her education to graduate from Oklahoma A & M to teach Home Economics for high school. While she went to school, Wally was helping build the Library for Oklahoma A & M. Her first teaching position was at Blackburn High School, where she decided that she was better equipped to teach elementary students. Back to school she went to get her masters, while continuing to teach at Hallet and Skedee schools. During that time, she also started a family, with the birth of her oldest daughter, Kim. Being a wife, mother, teacher, student, and home maker was definitely a huge undertaking. Debbie, her second daughter, was born three years later, and then two years later, Chad, her son was welcomed into the family. Finally, through all these many jobs, she received her Master's Degree from Oklahoma A & M. Everyone was there to celebrate this achievement! Rene has called Stillwater, Blackburn, Skedee, and Ralston, respectively, her homes. Teaching, mothering, fishing, helping with harvesting meals and relocation of farm equipment has kept her occupied and happy.  She is affectionately remembered by many many of her former students as "the most loving and toughest teacher they had!" One student fondly reminisced about the fact that "Miss Akers gave me my first spanking in school!" Also admitting it wasn't his only one in later years from others.  She taught Sunday School throughout most of her adult life as well as congregational song leader in every church she attended as a member. Her voice was a wonderful gift from the Lord, and she used it in every opportunity to glorify Him. She was often called upon to sing for Weddings and Funerals. When her children grew up and married, her family grew. Kim married Rodney Meyerdirk and had two sons, Matt and Tony. Rodney later died and she married Tim Moroney and had a daughter, Rachael. Debbie married Joey Higgins and had three children, Joe Parker IV, James Calvin (J.C.), and Jayleen. Chad married Lois Henderson and had a daughter, Jessica, and a son, Kevin. Grandchildren were always a part of Rene's  life. Time quickly passed and soon Jayleen married Ryan Robertson and had a son, Rhett(8). Joe Parker (Joe) married Tiffiany Slane and they had two sons, Reece(8), and Case (5).  J.C. married Heather Collins and they had two sons, Jace (8), and Ryker (5).  Rachael married Gerrett Spears and both are busy teaching and coaching.Miss Akers retired from teaching after thirty years and continued to stay busy teaching Sunday School classes, was active in Eastern Star for over 40 years,  where she was a past "Worthy Matron", fishing whenever and wherever she could, and attending anything she and her mother, "Miss Daisy" could find to attend. They were a twosome for many wonderful years. Both she and her mother will be missed but always remembered and loved by all of her family and friends.She was preceded in death by her father, Louis, her son-in-law, Rodney Meyerdirk, her husband, Wally, and her mother, Daisy.