Bernice May Ayers, age 81, of Stanton, MI passed away Mar 2, 2007.
Growing up during the Depression, Bernice Holliday was one of eight children who lived and worked on the family farm. Like many other people, Bernice had very few things. She had two dresses to wear to school and would always come directly home so she could help her family.
She was very strict, but if you needed anything, she was always there for you. She was determined that her daughters, Karol and Luana, would graduate from high school and get further training.
Bernice Holliday met her husband, David Ayers at the General Tire in Ionia, and after falling in love, they were married on Apr 1, 1960, at the Belding United Methodist Church.
Years ago at a silent auction, Mr. and Mrs. Ayers bought a school house located at Barnes and Fenwick rd. and they used the wood from the school house to start their own home.
She worked at General Tire for 38 years and often boasted that she worked side by side with the men and id her job as well or better.
For leisure, as a family they would rent a tent and camp at Indian River, finally after a few years acquiring an air mattress. Her children were blessed to have a mom who taught them about the value of hard work, ethics, and striving to be a perfectionist.
Some would say you cannot die of a broken heart, but the love of her life, David died two weeks to the day before her.
She was also preceded in death by a son in law, James Fitzgerald on Jan 18, 2006.
Bernice Ayers was survived by her daughters, Mrs. Karol Fitzgerald of Cedar Springs, and Ms. Luana Riches of Greenville; her son and his wife, Doug and Vicki Ayers; six grandchildren; Derrick and Kalani Riches, Kelly and Randy Welsheimer, Kimberly Petersen, Kari Fitzgerald, Shelly and Kevin Joldersma and Jenny Daugherty; 13 great grandchildren; sisters, Pearl Tingley, and Adabel and Donald Ackerson; brother Charles and Sharon Holliday; many nieces and nephews; and two very special spoiled companions, her dogs, Sara and Raven.
The Service for Mrs. Ayers was at the funeral home with Mr. Ross Merlington officiating. Interment in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.