Ayers, Catharine (1939-2021)

AYERS, AGEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/26/2021 at 13:57:24

With great sadness, we share that our beloved Mom, Grandma, and Friend, Catharine Ayers, left this earth on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. For those that wish to pay their respects, Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, IA.

Catharine, or more commonly known as Cathie, was a courageous, hardworking, smart woman who believed deeply in her values and the Catholic church, which guided her through incredibly difficult chapters in life.

On December 6, 1939, Cathie's life began in Des Moines, IA, by her parents Catharine (Carey) and Kenneth Agey. Cathie was one of four, the only girl, and raised by her mother as her dad died when she was 2-years old. Catharine struggled to care for the children, and from a young age, Cathie learned that being a girl meant life was more difficult. While the family paid for all three boys’ Catholic education, Cathie paid her way through part-time jobs, always appreciating the education she had but struggling to watch her mom’s troubles. Despite the challenges, Cathie graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1958. A straight-A student, Cathie went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree from Iowa State Teacher’s College in 1964.

While completing her degree, Cathie met John L. Ayers and instantly fell in love with his sense of humor and stalwart manner. They were married in 1961 and embarked on a 54-year marriage. John and Cathie were met with many challenges - namely, their eldest son Johnny’s passing when he was 24-years old. Johnny’s death shaped the course of the family’s lives. Still, through Cathie's faith and belief in God, she was able to find a way to live with the pain of losing her eldest son, maintain her marriage to John, and continue to be an extraordinary parent and role model to Michael.

Cathie set out to make a name for herself in her professional life. The combination of being naturally intelligent and hardworking proved a vital solution. She began her career as a teacher in Cedar Falls but quickly left and worked for several insurance companies before joining The Bankers Life, now Principal Financial Group, in 1976 as an Assistant Supervisor. In 1981, Cathie moved the family to Clear Lake, IA, to establish the first ever branch office of pensions in Mason City as employee #1. There, she grew the office by 87% - expanding from 14 employees in 1981 to 99 employees in 1986. In 1991, Cathy was named a Director in the company.

The Mason City Pension Center became an integral part of Principal Financial and the Mason City ecosystem. Cathie became enmeshed in the community - serving as President of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, one of the first women invited to join the Rotary Club of Mason City and served on the board of directors for United Way. Cathie went on to become Vice President at Principal - the first woman Senior Vice President of pensions in the company. Cathie paved the way for women in the organization and the community at large.

In her free time, Cathie was a dedicated humanitarian - involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Relay for Life, MS Walk for a Cure, Toys for Tots, and the Humane Society. She loved playing tennis with John and playing doubles with John and Michael. Cathie was also excellent at Bridge - showcasing her quick wit and competitive side.

After 25 years of service, Cathie retired from Principal in June of 2001. When Cathie retired, there were more than 550 employees, making it Mason City’s third-largest employer. According to Dan Houston, former Senior Vice President-Retirement Investment Services at Principal, “They helped thousands of Americans become better prepared for their futures.”

In 1993, Cathie welcomed a new title, “Grandma.” Cathy was a beloved Grandma, doing whatever she could to be a strong woman role model to her three girl grandchildren. When Mackenzie loved Beanie Babies, Cathie began a collection of 100+. Cathie started a tradition of baking lemon bars every time she saw the girls, adding in school and life advice in between bites.

We celebrate the wonderful woman that blessed all of our lives profoundly.

Cathie is survived by her son, Michael Ayers; her granddaughters, Mackenzie, Isabella, and Samantha Ayers; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James Kenneth Agey, John William “Jack” Agey, and K. Michael Agey; her husband, John; infant daughter, Susan; and son, Johnny.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of your choosing, Wesley Life Hospice, or the Good Samaritan Fund at Edgewater. Individuals may express condolences at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com .