Myrtle Ackerman

Myrtle Annetta (Thomas) Ackerman, 74, formally of Underwood, passed away peacefully after her battle with dementia at the Hansen House in Council Bluffs, on June 10. Anne was born December 13, 1939 to Clyde R. and Beverly L. (Monthei) Thomas in Jefferson and graduated from Scranton High School. She continued her education at beauty school in Des Moines and earned her EMT certification in the 70s.

In 1958, she married Robert Mello (2003) and from this reunion four girls were born and the family settled in Underwood in 1965. Ann and Robert owned and ran the Hideaway Bar in Underwood for 5 years and later divorced in 1977.   Ann worked at Harold Horn Beauty Shop, C.B.&O Equipment, and later managed C.B.& O Trucking. Afterward she worked at BA America, Rainbow and Hunt Transportation as safety director. In her free time, she sold Avon, volunteered as an EMT for Underwood Ambulance and a 4-H leader. In 1979, she married Larry L. Ackerman (2008). Anne enjoyed traveling in the semi with Larry, reading, gardening, sewing, baking and visiting family and friends.

Of all her undertakings, Ann’s greatest achievements have been in the lives of her family and friends. She had a generous heart and unending energy. She leaves all with the knowledge that they were truly loved and they will always smile when they think of her quick wit, love of “bling”, and pride as she cheered for her grandchildren at events.  

Ann is survived by 3 of her siblings, 4 daughters, 11 grandchildren, and 8 great-children.  Daughters include Cynde (Ken) Root; Debi (Chris) Williams of Council Bluffs; Mary (Jesse) Nee of Spencer; and Bobbi Durance of Greenville, Illinois. Siblings are Doloris Olmstead, Fresno, CA, Edward Thomas and Joseph  (Debby) Thomas both of Council Bluffs. Grandchildren, Tye, Jeremy, Tory Root; Marcus, Michael Williams of Council Bluffs, Nicole and Martin Nee of Spencer; Misty Gillett, Andrew and Ashley Nee and Joni Durance of Council Bluffs.

Anne will be cremated. A memorial visitation will be held Sunday, June 15 between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. at the Hoy/Kilnoski Funeral Home in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hansen House of Council Bluffs.

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