In loving memory of Patricia Ayers. She passed peacefully the morning of May 12, 2024 at the age of 93.
Pat was born in DeWitt County, Illinois, to Norris and Anita (Spainhour) Smith. She was the oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by brother, Roger Smith; sister, Anna Braaten Stuehm; and son, Rodney Ayers.
Pat married the love of her life, Donald Ayers, on Aug. 6, 1947. They had two children, Rodney N. and Pamela S.
She lived in various states while Dan was in the U.S. Air Force. They raised their children in Las Vegas while stationed at Nellis Air Force Base. She mostly was a stay-at-home wife and mother. She worked at a department store’s cosmetic counter where she enjoyed meeting people, then moving to Philomath, Oregon, she worked at the Corvallis School District food kitchen.
Pat enjoyed cooking for family, growing flowers, reading, camping and spending time with friends, family and grandchildren. She especially loved holding babies.
Pat is survived by daughter, Pam Venell (Larry) of Corvallis; grandson, Chris Venell (Stephanie) of Crane; grandson, John Venell of Corvallis; granddaughter, Tonya Whipple (Aaron) of Beaverton; great grandchildren, Klair, Dally Jo and Kate Venell, and Jackson and Connor Whipple; brother, Richard Smith of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. She was loved very much and will be missed.
A private service will be held in memory of our loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made to charity of choice in care of McHenry Funeral Home.