Maria “Oma” Akers, age 98, of Springfield, formerly of Crocker, was born on November 12, 1927, at Neubeuern auf Bavaria, Germany, a daughter of Otto and Maria (Harringer) Wassenberg and passed from this life peacefully on Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026 at the Ravenwood Assisted Living, Springfield.

Mrs. Akers was united in marriage on September 6, 1948 to Mr. Paul Akers and to this union, six children were born. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Akers, Sr. on September 21, 1991; her parents, Otto and Maria Wassenberg; one son, Paul Akers, Jr. on January 14, 1969; two brothers, Joseph Wassenberg and Otto Wassenberg; son-in-law, Bill Hagood and one daughter-in-law, Paula Akers.

Maria enjoyed doing crafts, crocheting, ceramics, sewing, gardening and working on their farm. She loved all animals but was especially fond of their cattle. Maria was a devoted and loving housewife and homemaker for all her working life.

Those left to cherish the precious memories of Mrs. Maria Akers include: her children, Helen Hagood, Springfield; Carol (Frank) Singleton, Crocker; Alma (Ray) Wilson, Springfield; Lillian (Eric) Jones, Centerview and Otto Akers, Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Stephanie (Mike) Hayes, Lee’s Summit; Jarred (Heather) Hagood, Little Rock, Arkansas; Alex (Elisa) Gutweiler, Norfolk, Virginia and Micah (Amanda) Gutweiler, Kansas City; eight great-grandchildren, Aidan Hayes, Blake Hayes, Seger Hagood, Arden Hagood, Bauer Hagood, Milo Gutweiler, Teddy Gutweiler and Oscar Gutweiler and other relatives and friends.

A private family graveside will be held at a later date and time in the Crocker Cemetery with Pastor Doug Jacobson officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Loving Paws Adoption Center, Crocker in memory of Mrs. Maria Akers. Contributions may be mailed c/o Martin-Kloeppel Funeral Home, P.O. Box 700, Crocker, MO 65452.