Beverley J. Acker, 79, Watertown

Beverley J. Acker, 79, widow of Merrill H. Acker, formerly of 435 S. Hamilton St., died Sunday at her winter home in Mesa, Ariz. Mrs. Acker spent summers at her cottage at Montonna Shores in Three Mile Bay.

Mrs. Acker was the office manager of the Watertown Ear, Nose and Throat doctors for 20 years. She previously worked for Dr. Eugene Renzi.

Born July 18, 1928, in Watertown, a daughter of Arthur and Ella Craig Gray, she graduated from Carthage High School in 1946.

She married Merrill H. Acker on Aug. 23, 1947, at St. Cecilia’s Church rectory in Adams. Mr. Acker, a retired technician for the Coca-Cola, Co., died May 14, 2004 in Mesa, Ariz.

Mrs. Acker enjoyed crocheting and donated crocheted items to the Red Cross for many years. She also enjoyed traveling, and arts and crafts.

Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Steven J. and Kathy, Higley, Ariz.; a daughter, Mary Lou Talbot, LaFargeville; four grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Bonneau. Merrickville, Ont., Canada; and nieces and nephews.

A son, William, died on Aug. 16, 1987. Two brothers, Robert and John Gray, also died before her.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, May 3, at the Reed & Benoit Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery. Calling hours are 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 2, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Hospice of Jefferson County or to the Heart Fund.