Mary Ayres

Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at 9:47 AM

By Aaron DeOrnellis

Mary Ellen Ayres, Branson West, Missouri

Mary Ellen Ayres, Branson West, Missouri, the first child of John and Gladys Emerson was born July 13, 1926, in Cape Fair, Missouri, and departed this life on March 9, 2022, at the age of 95. Mary graduated from Reeds Spring High School in 1943 and on June 1, 1947, Mary wed Joseph Arthur (Artie) Ayres. Mary's personal relationship with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ guided her throughout her life. She was a member of the Talking Rocks Road Baptist Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her youngest brother, John Emerson. Survivors include her husband, Joseph Arthur (Artie) Ayres of Branson West, Missouri; brother, David Emerson and his wife Aleen of Nixa, Missouri; four children: Vance Ray Ayres and his wife Leona of Harrison, Arkansas, Kelby Joe Ayres and his wife Yvette, Nita Jane Ayres, and Arla Ann Ayres, all of Branson West, Missouri; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of Mary Ellen’s life will take place Saturday, April 2, 2022, 2:00 p.m. at New Testament Christian Church auditorium in Reeds Spring, Missouri. Everyone is welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers Mary would prefer you make a contribution to Pregnancy Lifeline. Go to pregnancylifeline.com, click on 'DONATE' and follow the prompts.

Mary Ellen was not a housewife. She was a Homemaker, Home Office Manager supporting all of Artie's business and full-time Mother, raising her four children. Her smile, abiding love, and kind spirit, like sunshine, radiated to all.

Mary Ellen Ayres will continue to inspire us to bless others, as she has blessed us.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.