Elizabeth Ackerman

She was born on September 4, 1942, as the first child of Ivan “Ike” and Dorothy (nee: Swim) Hall in Long Beach, California. The family returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Elizabeth, then known as “Fredde,” grew up with her two sisters: Dianne Roost and Mary Louise Evans (Bob). Her youth was filled with days helping her parents’ business (Ike’s Candy Company), summers spent at Hebgen Lake, winters spent snow skiing, always in the company of her six best girlfriends-the Sun Valley Seven, and as a Salt Lake City debutante.

While a student at the University of Utah, she met and fell madly in love with Dennis Kanter, who was playing football for the Utes. Subsequently, Elizabeth relocated to Dennis’ hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada, and the couple married in 1965. It was then that she entered her “Liz” era. She fully embraced the life in what was arguably the “heydays” of Las Vegas. She found her niche as a publicist for the Sands Hotel in the 60s, built a tight circle of wonderful friends, and availed herself of all the excitement and entertainment Las Vegas offered. Liz and Dennis would dress to the nines (as was the custom then: to include elaborate hair pieces and zipper boots) to see every show and performer in the hotels and lounges. Together, they shared a deep love of music. Dennis and Liz welcomed two daughters: Wendy Beckner and Rachel Savage (Michael), and despite being a busy young mother, Liz immersed herself in charity work.

True to form, she approached each endeavor with passion and energy. Throughout the years, she devoted herself to and often held leadership positions in Women’s Division, the Combined Jewish Appeal, Women’s American ORT, Hadassah, the Sisterhood of Temple Beth Shalom, B’nai B’rith, the Anti-Defamation League, United Way, and New Horizons. She gave generously of her time and her talents. In 1978, Liz was honored by being named an Outstanding Young Woman of America and recognized for her many contributions. Additionally, she was a member of the Junior League of Las Vegas and was also active in both state and federal political campaigns. In 1983, Elizabeth married Don Ackerman in Las Vegas and the couple spent the next several years traveling and exploring the world together.

She also recommitted herself to her love of the game of bridge. Elizabeth was an excellent bridge player and was incredibly proud of her Silver Life Master status. She regularly played in local clubs and tournaments throughout the country and abroad until her failing eyesight made it too difficult to continue. Elizabeth loved movies, especially the classics, and was remarkable in her knowledge of Old Hollywood. In 1999, Elizabeth became a grandmother for the first time when Patrick Beckner was born. Grandsons Jeremy Beckner, Joshua Savage, and Kaden Savage followed. Elizabeth was known as “Bubby” ever since. And it was perhaps her time spent as a grandmother to her “four boys” that she most relished. She loved, supported, championed, and was so proud of each of her grandsons’ talents and accomplishments. In the latter years of her life, Bubby continued her many close friendships, many of which were lifelong. She so enjoyed the newer relationships she cultivated while living at Turnberry Place and at the Stirling Club. Bubby was rich in her friendships and was grateful every day for them.

Our mom lived her life on her terms and with a fierce and enviable verve. Her maxim was “Let your desires be known.” And she certainly punctuated every aspect of her life with this philosophy. Fredde/Liz/Elizabeth/Bubby will forever be remembered for her love of life, family, and friends. She left an indelible mark and will be so missed.

Should you wish, a donation to the Anti-Defamation League may be made in her honor.