William Ayers

CARTERVILLE -- William "Bill" Frederick Ayers, 73, passed away at 1:14 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2012, as a result of a cerebral hemorrhage, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale with his family by his side.

Bill was born Dec. 7, 1938, in Chicago, the son of the late Maynard and Anna Marie (Heidenreich) Ayers.

Bill married Donna Coffman on July 21, 1973. She survives.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by three cousins, Mary Kay Rachwalski of Denver, Colo., Kathy Doherty of Ottawa, and Ernie Barber of Soldotna, Alaska.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chuck and Faye Coffman of Edwardsville; two nieces, Amy (Dave) Phillips of Naperville and Sarah (Dan) McEvilly of St. Louis; great-niece, Ellen Phillips; and two great-nephews, Jacob Phillips and Ambrish McEvilly.

A graduate of Ottawa High School, Bill earned a B.S. degree from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colo., before earning a Masters of social work from George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Bill was a social worker for DCFS before becoming an administrator of Hurst Bush Children's Service Center. He was a licensed clinical social worker and provided consultation to hospitals and nursing homes, in addition to maintaining a private therapy practice at two local hospitals.

Bill was a regular participant in the classes and at the gym at John A. Logan Community Health Education Complex. He also enjoyed traveling, kayaking, hiking, working in his yard, being with his friends and telling stories.

According to Bill's wishes, his body will be cremated. A memorial celebration of Bill's life will be at a later date.

The family would like to extend its appreciation to the doctors and staff of Memorial Hospital of Carbondale for the excellent and compassionate care he received during his stay. They also want to acknowledge the staff of John A. Logan Community Health Education Complex, particularly Nicole, Chris, and Becky, who worked with Bill since the complex's inception.

Memorial donations are suggested and may be made to John A. Logan Foundation, CHEC Donation, 700 Logan College Road, Carterville, IL 62918.

Riggin-Pillatsch and Burke Funeral Home in Carterville is in charge of arrangements. To view this obituary and sign the guest register, visit www.rigginpillatschburkefh.com.