Gardelia Pearl (Saale) Akers, 90, of Lincoln County, Missouri, passed away on August 3, 2026, at SSM-Lake St. Louis Hospital.

Born on April 29, 1936, in Lincoln County, Missouri, Gardelia was the daughter of Edward E. Cox and Jessie Rue Halley Cox.  A lifelong Lincoln County resident, she was born and raised in Silex, attended local schools, graduated from Silex High School, and later raised her family in the community she loved.

Gardelia worked for more than 25 years as a telephone operator for Contel, where many lasting friendships were made. After retiring from Contel, she remained active in the workforce as a hostess at Chums Restaurant and later as a cashier at Buzzy's.

Singing, playing cards, attending family gatherings, and watching Frankie Stanek and his band were among her favorite pastimes. On occasion, Gardelia even joined them on stage. She also enjoyed making crocheted dolls and treasured time with her family. Her family lovingly described her as outgoing, kind and feisty.

Gardelia was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Nina Brandenburger.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Joseph Saale and wife Joanne of Troy, Missouri, Paul Saale and wife Lisa of St. Charles,  Missouri, and Mark Saale and his husband Gary Lombardo, of San Diego, California; siblings, Thelma Luebrecht of Bowling Green Missouri, Larry Cox of St. Charles, Missouri, Harry Cox of Silex, Missouri, and Jerry Cox and wife Jeanne of Silex, Missouri; grandchildren, Joseph Huber and wife Rachel, Jeff Huber and Whitney Knight, Justin Huber, Crystal Tran and husband Mike, Richard Saale: great-grandchildren, Logan, Owen, Peyton, Luke, Blakely, Braelynn, Karson, Kylie, Hayley, Charisma, Calista, and Michael.

Gardelia will also be missed by other family members nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. -  6:00 p.m. at McCoy-Blossom Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1304 Boone Street, Troy, MO 63379, 636-528-8244.

Funeral Service- will also be held on Tues. Aug. 11, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home in Troy. Rev. John Thrower to officiate.

Family and Friends may sign the online guestbook@wwww.mccoyblossomfh.com