Gary Stuart Ackerson

ARLEE ~ Gary Stuart Ackerson went home to be with the Lord in the early hours of July 25,2024 with his wife and best friend, Cheryl, by his side.

 Gary was born January 17,1960 in Houghton, SD to William and Margaret Ackerson. When he was still in school the family packed up and moved to Kent, WA. Gary graduated from Kentridge High School in 1978.

Jobs he had included janitorial, welding and then to his FAVORITE job- truck driving. Gary earned several awards due to his excellent truck driving skills. Two years in a row he was Washington State truck driving champion.

Gary and Cheryl were married May 22, 1993 at their home in Kent. They lived in Buckley and Cle Elum before moving into the dream home they built in Arlee, MT.

Traveling was something they loved to do. They visited many places with favorites being Carlsbad Caverns, Oatman, AZ and to Israel with some members of Fairwood Assembly of God. While there he was baptized in the Jordan River by Pastor Wes.

Things Gary thoroughly enjoyed were chainsaw carving, bow hunting, playing softball, his dogs, the Mariners and occasionally the Seahawks. 

In May 2024 Gary was honored to be able to officiate his granddaughters wedding- he did an amazing job!

There was not a person Gary met that he wouldn't become quick friends with. He was definitely well loved.

A loving dad, papa, more papa, husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, Gary loved his family more than anything. He also loved the Lord and was looking forward to walking with the Disciples in Heaven.

Gary is survived by his wife Cheryl, daughters Brittney, BriAnne, Brenda and Cindy, son in laws Jeff, Brian and Kevin, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, sisters Sheri and Lisa, brothers Danny, Leroy and Randy, sister in laws Rena, Misti and JJ, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son JR and his parents.

I am sure Gary is in Heaven now chatting Jesus' ear off, and has already made so many new friends and reunited with the older ones. 

Hasta Gary, Come Jesus Come

A celebration of Gary's life will be at a later date.