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Dorothy Jean Ayres

1935– 2025

Posted 1/31/25

Fayette resident, Dorothy Ayres, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on January 26, 2025, following a long battle with cancer.

Dorothy Jean Thompson Ayres was born on September 17, 1935, …

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Dorothy Jean Ayres

1935– 2025

Posted

Fayette resident, Dorothy Ayres, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on January 26, 2025, following a long battle with cancer.

Dorothy Jean Thompson Ayres was born on September 17, 1935, in Tyler, TX. She was a daughter to the late Dr. Orion and Marjorie (Bryan) Thompson. She graduated from Tyler High School with the class of 1953. Dorothy furthered her education earning a bachelor’s degree in child psychology from the University of Texas – Austin. On August 30, 1958, Dorothy married William Valentine Ayres in Tyler, TX. The couple enjoyed over 64 years of marriage and shared two children, Amy and David. Bill preceded her in death on March 1, 2023.

Dorothy worked as an office manager for the Missouri Department of Mental Health for 17 years. She was very active in the community affairs of Fayette, serving on various boards in different capacities. Dorothy was the first woman elected to the Fayette School Board of Trustees and also served as president of that board for nine years. She was later appointed to the Library Board, in which she also served as president. Dorothy’s other interests included the Peacemakers Quilt Group and Friends of the Library.  Dorothy was a member of Linn Memorial United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her two children, Amy (Joe) Larkin and David (Laura) Ayres; four grandchildren, Zayn, William, Raphe and Katherine; and a brother, Dr. Robert Thompson.  In addition to her husband and parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by a sister, Marjorie Lou Thompson Crooks.

A private family memorial service honoring the life of Mrs. Ayres will be under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette. Following Dorothy’s final wishes, there will be no public visitation, but friends are invited to call on the Ayres family at their home. Inurnment will take place at Fayette City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Fayette Public Library (201 S. Main St., Fayette, MO 65248).