Mary Elizabeth Ayres, 96, North Manchester, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family at 9:48 p.m. Oct. 31, 2017. She was the daughter of Fred J. and Mary (Badger) Badskey.  Born February 15, 1921 during a farm sale at their home on the Kosciusko/Wabash County line.

A lifetime North Manchester resident, she graduated from Chester High School in 1939. She married Arden E. Ayres Feb. 24, 1940 while working for Dr. Eugene Cook.  She worked at the Steer Inn north of Silver Lake starting the day it opened for ten years and was a 4-H leader for ten years.  She worked as a secretary in the treasurer’s office at Manchester College for 17 years and served the First Brethren Church for 70 years, childrens’ superintendent teacher, Patroness of Sisterhood of Mary and Martha, chapter member of the Hadassah Circle, Sunday School Secretary and helping in kitchen for dinners and funeral dinners.

She was a member of Congressional Christian Church and was active with Dorcas Ladies Ministry and serving at breakfasts; she also served as deacon at the church.  M

She was a member of Town and Country Club for 60 years, Ladies League at Sycamore Golf Course, and Laketon Lions Club, and was also a member of Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by one daughter, Becky Sue (David) Long of Yorba Linda, Calif. and three sons, Terry (Toni) Ayres of Leesburg, David (Sherri) Ayres of South Whitley, and Dennis (Annette) Ayres of North Manchester; fifteen grandchildren, Tricia Robinson, Trent Ayres, Brad, Bryan, Brendon, and Brandt Watrous, Denver, Jason, Hilari and Halie Ayres, Ryan and Andy Ayres, Abbie Richards and Erin Long; 34 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Lorin Badskey, nephew Jerry Badskey, and Andy Beck, grandson.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester and two hours prior to services on Friday.  Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester. Officiating pastors J.P. Freeman and Denver Ayres. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Cemetery, North Manchester.