Shirley Ann Ayers, 79, died Saturday (January 16, 2016) at the Bethesda Home in Goessel.
She was born on August 9, 1936 in Sedgwick, Ks., the daughter of Guy Vestal and Olive M. McCullough Hayes, joining a brother Robert.
Shirley had a younger brother, Don L. Hayes who died on October 29, 2002, and a younger sister, Elaine Pratt, who died on November 28, 2009.
Their mother, Olive, died at an early age leaving Guy with four very young children. He found a wonderful lady named Virginia and they were married. She became a mother to them all and was a true blessing to everyone.
Shirley was raised in rural Sedgwick, graduating from Sedgwick High School. She later met Charles F. Ayers, Jr., they were married and made their home in Elbing, Ks. They had three children, Charles, Kevin and Sheila.
After her marriage ended, Shirley moved to Newton where she lived at the Plaza Apartments. She met many friends there, she enjoyed shopping, dining out, her flowers and plants. She also enjoyed cooking. Shirley always had a holiday meal for her family as long as she was able to.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and had been at cook at Friendly Acres and the Kansas Christian Home.
Shirley’s father died on September 23, 1996 at the age of 92, and her mother, Virginia, died on January 16, 2007 after achieving her 100th birthday.
Survivors include her sons Charles V. Ayers and wife Sandy of Hillsboro, Kevin F. Ayers and wife Loretta of Elbing; daughter Sheila Nelson and husband Mike of Elbing; seven grandchildren; eight grandchildren; brother Robert Hayes and wife Nell of Lake Charles, La.; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday (January 20, 2016) at the First United Methodist Church in Newton. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick, Ks.
Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday 1:00pm til 8:30pm, where the family will receive friends between 7:00 and 8:30 in the evening.
A memorial has been established with the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Association and the American Heart Association, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.