Elizabeth "Betty" Vandenakker

Funeral Recording

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Elizabeth "Betty" Williams Sorenson Vandenakker passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021 surrounded by family.

She was born May 27, 1926 to David M. and Martha Kent Williams. She grew up and attended school in Malad, Idaho.

She married Fred Sorenson on New Year's Eve in 1945. Fred had been serving  in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was missing in action in the European Theater for several months in 1945. Upon his return, they were married. They have two daughters--Sherri (Jon) London and Shauna (Steve) Jackson.

She married Dick Vandenakker in 1979. They were married in Hawaii and moved to St. George to golf and enjoy friends and family. They were married for 42 years.

She worked for many years as an Administrative Assistant in the medical field (Opthalmology). She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved to travel, bowl, and play golf. She was an excellent cook and hostess and was often found entertaining family and friends. Family was the main focus for her life. She taught her children to work hard, value education, to be kind to others, and be honest and honorable. Many hours of fun and laughter were spent with children and grandchildren playing card and board games--she was quick-witted and smart and we always played by "Grandma B's rules".

Her parents and siblings all preceded her in death—Hilton (Elaine) Williams, Farion (Merle) Williams, Artella (Ray) Larsen, Virgil (Ila May) Williams, Norma (Roy) Hackney and David (Jean) Williams.

She is survived by her daughters and step-children--Rick (Dana) Vandenakker, Dennis Vandenakker, Joel (Leigh) Vandenakker, and Jill (Dan) Martin--plus 24 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

A family graveside service to celebrate her life will be held Monday, March 8, 2021.  Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

We send a special thank you to Allisandra, Vivianne, Railene, and Christina for their loving, tender care. We must also recognize Ibrahim, Rob, Maretta, and the staff of Canyon Creek Assisted Living as well as the staff of Silverado Hospice for the kind, gentle care they provided.

Mom: We love you so much and will miss you for a time. We appreciate all you taught us and know that we be together again. We look forward to that future reunion.