Barbara Ann Akers

Barbara Ann Florence Akers, 66, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 5, 2026, in Willis, Texas.

Barb lived with an infectious energy that drew people in – quick with a laugh, sharp in her thinking, never afraid to speak her mind with honesty and heart, but always willing to tend to anyone with a heavy heart. She leaves behind stories, friendships, and moments that will be treasured by everyone who knew her.

Born on November 25, 1959, in Delaware, Ohio to Paul and Laura Florence, Barb enjoyed growing up on her family farm. A ballet dancer from an early age, Barb performed in her youth with a Columbus, Ohio semi-professional dance company. An honor student in high school, Barb was also a member of the Color Guard and Debate Team at Marysville High School. Continuing the family tradition, Barb attended The Ohio State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business, as well as developing a lifelong love of Buckeyes football. She later earned her Masters in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. 

In 1984, Barb married Scott Akers. Best friends, they would share a life of adventure, both big and small, together. They supported each other, traveled the world together, and built and enduring relationship that they cherished.

After working for more than a decade in finance at Marathon Petroleum and Progressive Insurance companies, Barb embraced her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse anesthetist. Another example of her of passion and determination, she earned her nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University, and her Masters degree in Advanced Practice Registered Nursing at the Francis Payne Bolton School and the Cleveland Clinic.

As a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Barb combined her intellect with her deep compassion, specializing in cardio thoracic anesthesia, in addition to labor & delivery, orthopedics, and general surgeries. She was a nurse anesthetist whose passion for teaching left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to learn from her. She had a natural gift for guiding new graduates, combining deep clinical knowledge with patience, kindness, and a steady presence in even the most challenging situations. Barb took pride in proctoring new CRNAs, creating an environment where questions were welcomed, confidence was built, and growth was constant. She had a unique ability to turn complex anesthesia concepts into practical, real-world understanding, always emphasizing patient safety and sound clinical judgment. She worked at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, but found her most professional satisfaction at regional and local hospitals. Colleagues respected her, patients trusted her, and many remember her not just for expertise, but for the calm, caring presence she brought when it mattered most.

In her personal life, Barb was a lifelong cat enthusiast, volunteering for feral spay & neuter programs, as well as adopting several rescue cats throughout her life. She found joy and wonder in travel, from a wide array of international adventures, camping in national parks, and attending concerts across the country. In the last decade, Barb nurtured her artistic side by teaching crafts, relishing the interaction with crafters of all skill sets.

Barb leaves behind her loving husband of 41 years. She also leaves a wide circle of friends, colleagues, travel companions, schoolmates, and relatives whose lives are richer for having known her. She is preceded in death by both parents and only brother, Michael Florence.

She will be laid to rest in Marysville, Ohio in a family plot adjacent to her family’s farm – a place that forever remained close to her heart. Celebrations of her life will be held both in Texas and Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to PAWS Animal Rescue or your local Humane Society, honoring Barb’s lifelong love and advocacy for animals.