Mary Ellen Ayers, 93, of Dilley, Texas, peacefully passed away on Dec. 3, in Kerrville, Texas, surrounded by loving family.

Mary was born on July 24, 1928, to Lonnie Lee Coleman, Sr., and Lottie DeSpain Coleman in Oilton, Texas. She attended high school in Miranda City, Texas. Mary married O.D. Ayers in September 1947, and they made their home in Carrizo Springs, Texas. They went on to have five children together. Mary was a business partner and housewife, devoting her life to her husband and raising her children.

Mary was a woman of deep Christian faith, and a long-time member of the First Baptist communities in Carrizo Springs and Dilley. She was a sixth generation Texan, and extremely proud of her Texas roots and heritage. She was a member of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, and a member of the Alamo Heroes Chapter in San Antonio, Texas, where she served as chaplain for several years. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary in Dilley, and supported veterans wholeheartedly as the widow of a World War II veteran.

Later in life, Mary stayed with her daughters in Alpine, Texas, and loved attending Art-Walk and Cowboy Poetry events for many years. She enjoyed trips to Big Bend National Park and Fort Davis mountains, and was always amazed with the beauty of West Texas.

Mary was predeceased by her parents; her husband; her brothers Oran Henry Coleman, Daniel Arnold Coleman, and Lonnie Lee Coleman, Jr.; and her sister Kathryn Madge Orr.

Mary was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and is survived by her children Lonnie D. Ayers and wife Linda of Floresville, Texas, Linda K. Myers and husband, Scott, of Kerrville, G. Lane Ayers and wife Nita of Canyon Lake, Texas, Laura E. Bedgood and husband Carl of Victoria, Texas, and Debra Lynn Younghaus and husband Jim of Alpine; sister-in-law Mary Coleman of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren Ryan Archer and wife Alyssa, Quinn Leinen and wife Kristen, Neil Leinen and wife Jessica, Shannon Ayers, Loni Ayers, Jeremy Ayers, Jase Ayers and wife Pam, Lyndsi De La Rosa and husband Henry, Tambri Tagliabue and husband David, Alysia Bedgood, Tasha Culberson and husband Jack, Amanda Collins and husband Shane, Cassie Zimbelman and husband Adam, and Tristan Younghaus. She is also survived by 21 precious great grandchildren and several very special nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please send donations to First Baptist Church in Dilley.

The family would like to thank the staff at River Point Memory Care and Sid Peterson Hospice of Kerrville for their excellent care and compassion in her final days.

Graveside services were held at the Dilley Cemetery on Dec. 10, and a reception followed at the First Baptist Church of Dilley Fellowship Hall.