Shirley A. (Nelson) Ayers (1939 - 2009)

AYERS, NELSON, ST JOHN, MINNICH, CLERCUZIO, DOWNARD, PAGLIAI, CRABTREE, HARBOUR

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart, Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/12/2009 at 09:08:00

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa
July 12, 2009

SHIRLEY A. AYERS, West Des Moines

Shirley Ann Ayers, 69, passed from this life on Friday, July 10, 2009 at Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines. A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 15, at Iles Funeral Homes - Westover Chapel in Des Moines. Cremation rites will follow the service on Wednesday. A private burial of the cremated remains for the family will be held at St. Charles Cemetery in St. Charles, Iowa at a later date.

Shirley was born on September 22, 1939 in St. Charles, Iowa to Lawrence D. and Alta M. (St. John) Nelson. She was a 1957 graduate of St. Charles High School. On June 1, 1957, Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Jerry C. Ayers at St. Charles Christian Church in St. Charles. To this union, four children were born: Rhonda, Ronnie, Michael and Jason. Shirley was formerly employed in the Deli Department with Dahl's Grocery Store in Des Moines. She was a loving, caring and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend; Shirley will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her four children, Rhonda (Greg) Minnich of St. Charles, Iowa, Ronnie (Jenifer) Ayers of Idaho, Michael (Kelly) Ayers of Waukee and Jason (Kandee) Ayers of West Des Moines; their father, Jerry Ayers of St. Charles; four brothers, Wayne (Darlene) Nelson and Max (Carolyn) Nelson both of Arizona, Gene (Peggy) Nelson of Des Moines and Larry (Joni) Nelson of St. Charles; three sisters, Jessie Clercuzio of California, Lois Downard of Arizona and Donna (Ron) Pagliai of Des Moines; five grandchildren, Spencer (Sarah) Minnich, Wendy (Jason) Crabtree, Bri Harbour, Carter Ayers and Townsand Ayers; and a host of many nieces, nephews and friends. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Vernon Nelson and Merle Nelson.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kavanagh Hospice House in Des Moines.