Pearl Elizabeth Gasser (93) long time resident of Akron passed away May 20th, 2016 at the Washington County Nursing Home from complications of Pneumonia. Pearl was born May 8th, 1923 in Satanta, Kansas to Fred and Anna May (Schultz) Branam. The family moved to Springfield Colorado when she was a young child and during this time her mother passed away. Pearl and her father moved to a farm south of Platner where attended and graduated from Platner High School as Valedictorian in a class of two. She married Eugene "Gene" Albert Gasser February 27th, 1943. The couple moved to San Diego in 1943 during WWII where Gene served in the Navy as an airplane mechanic and Pearl worked at the airbase on Coronado Island. After a short time in Denver the couple moved northwest of Akron. In addition to farming and ranching with her husband and father, Pearl worked for the Telephone Company and served as Deputy County Treasurer working in the Treasurer's office until her retirement after 38 ½ years with Washington County.

Pearl was a member of the Legion Auxillary, Akron Elks (Does), attended Akron United Methodist Church, served on the board of directors for Mobile Meals on Wheels, and delivered meals to local residents for many years. She was an avid Bowler and played in leagues in Akron and Sterling as well as state wide tournaments for many years. She enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, and spending time with friends. Later in life she became "Grandma Pearl" to Kody & Wyatt Anderson and several of their classmates and friends. She attended nearly every ball game, school program, county fair, graduation and special event in which the boys participated. She also enjoyed being part of the Harold Fincher family activities. Pearl loved animals of all kinds especially dogs and cats, adopting many over the years. She and friend Velma Drum were inseparable and enjoyed ballgames, eating out, and very slow drives around town. Pearl supported the hosting of many Colorado History Field Trips for the local schools and the annual Masonic Royal Arch "Pasture" Degrees, attended by Masons from several states, at the P Slash Lazy E ranch.

Funeral services were held on May 26th at the Akron United Methodist Church with interment that followed at the Akron Cemetery. Pastor Phil Vogels presided and LeaAnn Laybourn and Charlotte Sherman sang "On the Wings of a Dove" accompanied by Willa Roelle on Piano. Mike Anderson delivered the Eulogy and the congregation sang "Hymn of Promise". Pallbearers were Mike Anderson, Kody Anderson, Wyatt Anderson, Carl Fincher, Trent Hill, and William Smith. Honorary Pallbearers were Don Koester, Byrl Green, Albert English, Gene Hoyer, and Pat Roark. Funeral arrangements were provided by Bowin Funeral Home.

She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Anna and Fred Branam, Step Mother Jenny Branam, and Husband Eugene. Her loss is mourned by her Neice Lynette Lunhow, Nephews Henry Potter and Gary Lunhow; along with her many friends, and neighbors. Pearl's smile, independent spirit, strong character, genuine nature, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed.

Memorial donations can be made to the Akron United Methodist Church.