Karen Louise Ackom, 35

Karen Louise Ackom, 35, of Kalispell, “went to be with Jesus” on Aug. 8, 2016, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, from severe medical issues, with her family by her side.

She was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Cynthia Perkins and Donn Sweeney.

She was a disabled child, who grew up in the Norfolk, Virginia area. She later moved to Hungry Horse, in 1998.

She was a very outgoing disabled child, with a lot of medical issues that seemed to follow her throughout her life. This included her right leg having to be amputated below her knee. But this never stopped her — even in pain her passion was to help disabled children and people, which she did. At an early age she volunteered with the Knights of Columbus, Kovar; the Norfolk Elks Lodge; March of Dimes, etc. She was always trying to serve others.

She married her husband, Glenn C. Ackom II, on Sept. 24, 2006. They lived in Polson before moving to Kalispell. On Sept. 25, 2006, Karen was life-flighted to Community Hospital, upon which her son Jeffery Thomas-James Ackom was born, weighing 1 pound, 9 ounces. He was her “miracle baby,” and he was her world. She even wrote and published a book about him, called “Tiny Hands.”

She is survived by her husband, Glenn C. Ackom II, and her son Jeffery.

She also has many family members that love her.

Her service is being held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Whitefish Stage Road. There will be a visitation for her from 3 to 3:45 p.m. There will be no graveside service following, as she will be cremated and will be buried at Fairview Cemetery on Aug. 15.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.