Margaret S. Ayers

Margaret S. Ayers 1925 - 2009 Born in Huntsville, Alabama July 10, 1925 Margaret was a Southern lady. Although she spent most of her life in Utah she cherished her Southern roots. She was the epitome of charm, grace and hospitality. Margaret was quick to smile, quick to laugh and easily made new acquaintances feel like life-long friends. Her Southern drawl was her trademark. She never lost it. She died Wednesday, April 1, 2009 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Margaret was one of nine children born to Luther E. and Mary Ann Taylor Sandlin. In 1948 Margaret married Captain Ralph Ray Wance, a career Army soldier. She lost Ray to the Korean War in 1953. They had one son, Michael Ray Wance Ayers (wife: Ruth). It took Margaret seven years to find true love again. On April 9, 1960 she married Milton E. (Bud) Ayers at the home of her brother Howard Sandlin and followed her love to Utah. Their marriage lasted 49 years until her death. Bud and Margaret had two children, Suzanne Ayers and Robert Milton Ayers (wife: Anne). Life is often unfair and Margaret lost both her children at early ages. Suzanne died at 13 from Anorexia Nervosa and Robbie was taken by an auto accident at 39. Margaret worked at the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, Knighton Optical in Ogden, Utah and volunteered for many years at Ogden’s St. Benedict’s Hospital. Margaret was a Master bridge player and enjoyed many wonderful sessions with her friends. She was a member of the Chareya Club, Ogden Golf and Country Club and the First Presbyterian Church. Margaret had great pleasure watching and supporting her three children in their many athletic endeavors throughout the inter-mountain area. She excelled at being a loving wife and mother and enjoyed having many family sessions throughout the years. She was an excellent cook. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Margaret and Bud have seven grandchildren and one great- grandchild and are very proud of each of them. As the saying goes: Margaret was American by birth, Southern by the grace of God. Heaven is now a better place with Margaret there. The Ayers family would like to express their thanks to all the staff at Access Hospice and the extra special support and care from Dawn Barney, Rosalyn Johnson and Dr. Glen Biddulph. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., with the Reverend Dr. Richard Minnich officiating. Friends may call at the mortuary on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday 1 to 1:45 p.m. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Utah Chapter, 855 E. 4800 S., Suite 100, SLC, UT 84107 Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com