Akers, Carolyn (Labus)

Carolyn (Labus) Akers, 76, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Topsfield, Mass., entered into eternal rest in Cedar Rapids, Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010. Her faith never wavered while her body was attacked by disease. Services: 11 a.m. today at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Pkwy., West Des Moines, followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery. Visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. today, before the service, at the funeral home.

Ms. Akers was born in Adelphi, Iowa, and lived in Des Moines for most of her adult life, moving to Topsfield, Mass., in 1984, and returning to Iowa and Cedar Rapids in 2003. Carolyn was joined in marriage with Eugene Labus in Des Moines, until his death in 1986. She and Marion Akers were joined in marriage in 1996, until his death in 2002. She was a retired homemaker and a member of St. Ludmila Parish.

Survivors include her sister, Kathleen Lundeen; daughter, Shar Labus of Des Moines; sons, Scott (Carla) Labus and Randy Labus of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Carolyn's family, and more importantly her children and grandchildren were her passion.

Carolyn and her children deeply appreciate the compassion and honesty from the Iowa Blood and Cancer Center, Dr. Ghosh and the ever-smiling Rebecca.

Carolyn's children would also like to thank the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for such tender and compassionate care the last weeks of Carolyn's life. More particularly, the family would like to extend its appreciation to nurses, Jennifer, Erin and Kramer; caregivers, Melissa and Kim; Chaplain Kim; and social worker, Pat for the trust and personal relationships they built with our mother, and a special heartfelt thank you to Michelle for her love and attention to our mother.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Salvation Army or St. Jude Children's Hospital.