Betty Mae (Sellers) Akes, age 87, of Salem, died Friday, March 24th, 2017, at the Odin Care Center surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 14th, 1929 in Salem to Henry and Eva Sellers Betty went on to graduate of Salem Community High School and on January 12th, 1951, married the love of her life Edgar Akes in Xenia and together they raised 8 children. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years Edgar, her parents, three sisters, eight sisters-in-law, two sons-in-law and one grandson. She is survived by sister: Brenda ‘Susie’ Newman of Belleville; and her eight children: Edith (Clark) and Frank Hill of Ramsey; Jeanie (Clark) and Larry Marks of Salem; Gary Akes and fiance Cathy of Salem; Paul Akes and wife Kathy of Marion; Cheri Shreffler of Salem; Mike Akes and wife Julie of Dyersburg, Tennessee; Rick Akes and wife Monica of Mt. Vernon and Terri Adams of Salem. Also surviving at the time of death are 20 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and two more are expected in late summer/fall 2017. Betty was an expert seamstress in Salem making dozens of prom and wedding dresses, a multitude of alterations from clothing to draperies to bedding. In addition to sewing, Betty also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint. She won multiple blue ribbons for her work. Betty attended church at Evergreen Christian Church and was known for her constant giggling and was described by all that knew or met her as the sweetest lady around. She will be greatly missed by her friends and family. A visitation was held at the Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem on Sunday afternoon from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be left at the funeral home to the Celtic Hospice and Home Health who took exceptional care of Ed and Betty during their last days.