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Mark Ayers Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Mark Ayers
Sponsored by Overland Park Irish.
Mom
July 7, 2025
I will miss you always! My heart still breaks every day. I greatly miss our Sunday afternoon calls, if only I could hear your voice one more time. You were taken too soon. Love you always!!
Anonymous
July 7, 2025
18 years and I still miss you just as much as ever....
Anonymous
April 12, 2025
Happy Birthday, buddy! I miss you.
Anonymous
July 7, 2024
17 years and it does get less hard but never easier. I miss you every day.
Mom
July 3, 2024
I am not fond of 07/07/07. Some say it was suppose to be a lucky day, it definitely wasn´t for me. It was the worst!! It was a mother´s nightmare! Mark´s been gone 17 years but every July 7th it I feel the same pain as i did that very day. I wish Mark could have watched his boys grow into the great men they are now, met his granddaughter, and enjoyed a great life with Stacy. I love and miss him everyday. RIP Bubby!
Anonymous
April 12, 2024
Happy Birthday, Buddy! I miss you.
Staxy
July 7, 2023
16 years have passed and it still hurts. You see thought of daily and still loved as much as the day we married. The boys have grown up and remind me so much of you. Their looks, sense of humor, work ethic, and love for family.
I love you always and forever
Anonymous
July 7, 2023
Another year and I still miss you just as much. I love you buddy.
Mom
July 3, 2023
It´s been 16 years since Mark´s passing and yet it seems like on yesterday. I miss him everyday. I know he is always here with me in mind and heart. He is my guardian angel and that I am blessed. I love him always and forever! mom
Stacy Schick
July 7, 2022
15 years and your memory and love we shared is just as strong. A lot has changed in the past year...you have a beautiful new grand daughter, Kira Ann. She definitely has the family Ayers trait. I wish you were here to hold and love on her, but we all know you will be her guardian angel.
We love you bunches
Anonymous
July 7, 2022
15 years and I miss you every day. You are still loved just as much!
Mom
July 6, 2022
15 years have passed since you left and it still seems like yesterday. I still miss you as much now as I did then. I miss your smile, your silly ways, your calls on Sunday, but most of all JUST YOU. I love you
Anonymous
July 7, 2021
Still miss you, buddy. I think of you each and every day but especially today. We will love you forever.
Mom
July 3, 2021
Well another year has passed without you. It never gets easier. I love and miss you every day. I miss your every Sunday evening phone calls on your way home from work. I only think about our happy memories and the great family times we had together. You were one of a kind!
July 7, 2020
Still miss you buddy!
The tree you planted for my mom. Can't believe how much it's grown <br />
Joanne Greenthal
July 6, 2020
"Marks Tree"
Joanne Greenthal
July 6, 2020
Dearest Mark. I cant believe its been thirteen years since you left us. I still think youre going to call me on my birthday, or call to wish me a happy holiday every holiday. You would be so proud of Ian and Dylan, theyve grown into handsome, caring men. I think of you every time I leave or come home. You planted two small trees and a bush in front of the house. They are now taller than my house. Those two trees bloom around this time each year and just like Ian and Dylan they are strong and beautiful. R.I.P. Mark. We all love and miss you. Your loving mother-in-law
Dylan<br />
STACY ayers
July 6, 2020
Ian
STACY ayers
July 6, 2020
STACY ayers
July 6, 2020
Mark, I'm sure you see them everyday, but just look how much they've grown♥♥
Life is not the same without you
Stacy Ayers
July 6, 2020
Thiis picture is one of my favorite memories with you and the boys. I'm sure you are up there watching how the boys have grown up to fine young men. They both have the love of sports and can cook a meal, just like you, without any recipes and it turns out like a Gormet meal. They have your sense of compassion and your sense of humor and what I love the most, they have my back and make sure I am happy and safe. We talk about you every time we get together and laugh at all the silly things you would do. You will always be my angel and first true love.
Rita Van Hook
July 3, 2020
I hate the date 07/07/07. It has been 13 years since I had to say goodbye to Mark. Does it get easier to think about it as the years pass by? No! The pain does become less; but the heart still aches in its own silent way. The memories, however, are great. They are full of fun and laughter. As the time has passed I have learned to celebrate Marks life, think about the great times we had as a family, love his boys, and surround myself with the positives and let go of the negatives. So until we meet again Mark Elmer, RIP! Love, Mom
Mom
July 3, 2019
It has been 12 years since Marks death. I have learned to cope with the reality of him being gone and enjoy the great memories he left behind. I loved in his forties that he was still singing sugar pie honey butt! I will never stop missing him. I thank God every day for giving him to me for 42 years. I smile every time I think of him! Thanks for the memories and the smiles Bubb!
April 13, 2019
Happy Birthday buddy....still miss you. You would love the Bubbie, he reminds me of you! A good thing!
July 7, 2018
I still miss you, buddy. We will be celebrating you today and sharing all of our favorite stories which actually would take more than a day!
July 7, 2017
10 years today while it seems just like yesterday. We still miss you terribly but often celebrate your life and the love you had for all of us.
I love you buddy.
July 7, 2016
Still miss you buddy. I will be thinking of you and celebrating your life this weekend.
Stacy
November 24, 2015
Please take care of my grandma, up in heaven! As sad as I am that she passed away, I feel better knowing that you will be there to make her laugh. I miss you so much, my love!
July 7, 2015
Still miss you, buddy.
July 7, 2014
I still miss you, Monkey. You were a rock star!
Mr. P
July 8, 2013
I was just thinking of you the other day, it must have been your way of not letting me forget . Like that could ever happen.
Mr.P
Mom
July 8, 2013
The years pass so quickly. Time changes everything. Life moves on. But 07/07/07 will always remind me of Mark Elmer and it will always be a difficult day for me. I will always miss him. I will always have such "LOVE" in my heart for him. He was a great son! Rest in peace, Bubby!
Stacy Ayers
July 7, 2013
Today, the boys and I went to visit you and toasted you...did you see us? I know you are up there watching over us, cuz how else would they be doing so well. We love and miss you everyday.
July 7, 2013
Still miss you everyday. Somehow thought it would get easier as the years passed but that does not seem to be true. What gets me through is remembering how much fun we shared.
Rest easy.
July 8, 2012
Someone told me today that the world was a better place when you were in it and I am inclined to agree. I have thought about you everyday for the past five years and I will continue to do so forever.Sleep peacefully with the angels, I love and miss you.
July 7, 2012
Cannot believe Mark's been gone 5 years. It seems like yesterday when he would call and say: "Hey MaMa" it's your son Mark! What a silly guy! I miss him everyday. I echo, "Rest in peace my friend".
July 7, 2012
Still miss you buddy but will certainly be celebrating your memory later today. Rest in peace my friend.
Ruiz Family
July 7, 2012
Our hearts go out to you and the boys. We love you guys and will be here today and everyday for you and the boys. We love you all!
Ruiz Family
July 7, 2012
We will always be here for you and the boys. We love you guys. Our hearts are with you today and every day. Love, the Ruiz family.
Ruiz Family
July 7, 2012
We will always be here for you and the boys. We love you guys. Our hearts are with you today and every day. Love, the Ruiz family.
Stacy Ayers
July 7, 2012
Dearest Mark, my forever love...it has now been 5 years since you left us, which seems like it was just yesterday. I would think it was yesterday, if it wasn't that I now see how our boys are turning into young men. There isn't a day that we don't talk about you, that I don't go to sleep or wake up without you on my mind. I love you so much. What keeps us going everyday, is knowing that you are up in heaven, keeping watch over us. We love you!
July 13, 2011
It seems as though you are still here with me. I can't believe four years have passed. I love you, I miss you, and I smile every day because I remember how lucky I am to have had you as my brother. continue to sleep peacefully with all of the angels.
July 12, 2011
To my dear husband..I hope you felt the boys and me when we visited you the other day. We had our traditional toast to you, to celebrate your memory and got to see the beautiful flowers your family sent for you. We love and miss you so much! Our lives will never be right without you.
July 7, 2011
Thinking of you today, buddy. Can't believe four years have already gone by. Stacy is going a great job with your boys but we still all miss you terribly.
Go Irish!!
Stacy Ayers
April 13, 2011
Happy Birthday My Love! The boys and I miss you everyday. Our world is just not the same without you. I love you
April 12, 2011
Happy birthday to my dearest angel. I can't believe you are 46 today. I feel as if you are still here with us. I miss you dearly, Beth
Stacy Ayers
July 10, 2010
I can't believe it has been 3 years since you left us and we miss you terribly. The boys and I love you with all our soul and there is not a day that goes by that we don't think about you.
July 7, 2010
Still miss you buddy!!! Not a day goes by that I don't remember your laugh, your stories, or how much you loved us.
Stacy Ayers
July 7, 2009
Mark, we love you, miss you, and talk about you everyday! I still feel you and can hear your contagious laugh. You will always be in my heart and soul. I love you!!!
July 6, 2009
Hi Kids,
Today is the second anniversary of Mark's death. I am sure that all of you miss him as much as I do and think of him often.
My thoughts and memories of Mark today are those that make me smile. I think of him singing "Happy Birthday MaMa" every year and I know in his heart he thought he could sing like Elvis. God love him he tried!
How could I ever forget his "dance" moves. His "naughty" jokes that made him laugh so hard. His love for all of us.
So today, while I am sad, I will have happy thoughts of my son, your brother, your husband, your father, your uncle, and our friend.
To Mark I say "thanks for the good memories". Hopefully you can hear me!
Love,
Mom
April 12, 2009
Happy Birthday Mark! I love you and miss you so much, as do the boys.
Stacy Ayers
October 30, 2008
Mark....I miss you with all my heart. I miss your laugh, touch, and voice!
Beth Eddy
July 9, 2008
Marky,
I can't believe it has been a year since we lost you. I think about you all of the time. Even now, if I close my eyes and think hard enough I can still hear your voice. So much has taken place this past year and I know in my heart that you have been here for all of it. I love you and miss you greatly. Your baby sister
Andrea Herrold
July 5, 2008
Mark,
I miss you deeply and always will. I couldn't have asked for better brothers than Tim and you. Our family will never be the same without you. Mike, Mom, Tim, Beth and Scott - Thank you for your support and understanding this past year. I love you all.
Stacy Ayers
April 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Mark!!! We love you bunches:)
Stacy Ayers
February 23, 2008
Wow Mark, it has been almost 8 months since you passed, but it still seems like yesterday. Last night, Dylan wanted to look at our wedding pictures, for the very first time and then we looked thru his special photo album of just you and him (which he keeps hidden and safe). We talk about you everyday and say that we love you every night. Ian loves to remember all of your jokes and especially loves to repeat them. I hope you are up there watching them and being as proud of them as I am. They are the strongest boys I have ever known. I love you Honey and I ache for you everyday.
Doug Davidson
January 5, 2008
I am truly saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I am staring at my computer in disbelief.
Mark and his family were my family when I didn't have much of one of my own in Bloomington.
Mark was a great friend, one who often defended me.
Rita, Mike, Tim, Andrea, Beth, Bob, you have my deepest sympathies.
Mr. Benito
September 10, 2007
My deepest sympathies to the Mark E. Ayers family.
Pete Cortez-Black
September 6, 2007
Dear Mark, I really appreciate your energy, and passion for the kids at Garrison School. Every time there was a need, you were quickly there to help out any way you could. I will miss you! P.E. Pete
Anonymous
September 2, 2007
Monkey,
For the first time in my life, I watched an Irish game without you today. As you predicted, they were young and talented but had their hats handed to them....go figure. The upside is Ian has your insight and asked me how in the heck can anyone fumble a football so many times in the first half? Not being you, he didn't want me to call ND and have Charlie fired.....because, like me, he knows our brightest days are ahead. To that end, my solemn promise to you is that the boys' brightest days are ahead and I will share them with you.
I am sorry that I couldn't get the Irish a win without you but the boys, missies and I will do our best going forward.
Rita Griffith
August 30, 2007
I am Mark's mother and along with my husband Mike, my son Tim, and my daughters Andrea and Beth, Mark was one of my five best friends in this world. I will miss him. I will miss his telling me almost every Sunday when he would call to check in that he was "great everyday; just somedays he was better". I was very young when I started my family which gave me the opportunity to grow up with my children. It has been a great experience! I had Mark in my life for forty-two years; I was very fortunate. I would like to thank everyone for their entry into this guestbook. I appreciate all the WONDERFUL stories. I am not surprised; Mark was a gift!
Markie Boy, I LOVE YOU!
MOM
Ruthie Price
August 28, 2007
I knew Mark because his boys attend the school where I work. Mark was also our noon duty supersivor. He was waiting each morning to let me in the gate. He had a ready smile and always told me how nice I looked, even when I really didn't derserve it. He was helpful, kind and so full of laughter. We miss him terrilby at Garrison Elementary School.
Lynn Obrite
August 28, 2007
Everyday at Garrison Elementary Mark's face was the 1st I saw:) He would open the gate for me, ALWAYS with a smile. He drove the family "swim taxi" van to school and he was such a proud husband and dad. He knew I was expecting a baby boy and he would always share how wonderful it was having sons. He made me laugh and added sunshine to all the adults and kids that surrounded him:)He was either jump roping, telling a joke, lending a helping hand, or just being himself, a wonderful man! The Ayers family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Melody Nourani
August 28, 2007
I work with Mark and Stacy at Garrison Elementary. I have taught both of his boys during their time at Garrison and have had the privilege to know and love their family. My fondest memories of Mark are when he would open the Gate for Lynn and I, and he would usher us onto the campus with a huge smile and some type of joke or funny comment. He was such a beautiful man inside and out. I enjoyed watching him interact with the students at Garrison....he was a very important person in their lives. He would jump rope, play basketball, handball,and soccer with the kids. He would also sit with them and listen to their stories or problems. He would help them with their assignments. He was truly an angel to many. I really miss him and I am grieving over this untimely loss. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms aroung the Ayers family and guide them during this difficult time.
Diane Stoecker
August 27, 2007
Dearest Mark was my morning "hello" each day here at Garrison. He opened the gate for me as my hands were usually full and he encouraged me with the brightest of smiles! He is missed greatly. And loved.
Drake aka Dre Story
August 23, 2007
Mark, what can I say....Funny Guy!! I remember the time we played basketball one-on-one, you kicked my tail. Now who would've guessed either A.) you were that good
or
B.) I just sucked
LOL, that was just to funny:)What was the score? Like 5 to 0 ha,ha,ha. Well for the record, I let you win hahaha;)
Just kidding:)lol
Constance Murchison
August 22, 2007
Mark Ayers will be greatly missed by our staff at Garrison Elementary School. As his son Ian's fifth grade teacher, I called upon Mark several times to assist with class trips and science explorations. He also volunteered, several days a week, as a playground monitor on his days off. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him interact with all of the students. His patient, gentle demeanor and wonderful laughter endeared him to all who knew him.
Dan Flynn
August 21, 2007
I only heard about this tragic and sudden loss a few weeks ago in early Aug when I was back in Bloomington for a few days from Virginia and it was both shocking and very sad to hear as Mark was at one point in my life like the older brother I never had and was part of a great family of very loving people.
Talk about a dedicated, hard-working, passionate athlete in HS and you could not find anyone moreso than Mark in both football and wrestling. He was a great early example to me that hard work pays off and equals success in both athletics and life. It certainly sounds from the other tributes here that he carried those stellar qualities and the others he possessed throughout his life -- and that's not surprising knowing the type of person he was.
It's a sad part of life that you often lose touch with many of the people who have a positive influence on you over the years and you end up never letting them know that they did so. I am sad to say that is true in this case and so to all those in Mark's immediate and extended family and close friends of today I send my deepest condolences. Especially to Rita, Bob, Andrea, Tim and Beth. Andrea was my first love and the rest of the Ayers family, Mark especially, were always so open, friendly, loving and great to me. Since I don't have any of your contact info I hope that you will see this.
Thank you for those great memories from years ago and again I am very sorry for the tragic loss of Mark from your lives.
Fred Morris
August 11, 2007
This was the Mark I knew. A loving father,a loving husband. But also a great & loving friend. A man who cared about me as a member of his own family.A person who greeted me with open arms & with a open heart into his cirlce of friends & family. A man who I'am proud to say i love him. I will always love Mark as a brother & friend. To me Mark is the type of person we should all try to to be . Male or Female this man was head & shoulders above most of us. To my friend & brother Mark, I LOVE YOU & I always will. Stacy, I love u & the boys.
My love to you
Fred
Joanne Greenthal
August 6, 2007
I will always be greatful to Mark for making my daughter Stacy so happy and for giving me two beautiful and smart grandsons. I will miss his phone calls on birthdays and holidays, his cooking and his sense of humor. He was a wonderful son-in-law.
I know he will always be looking down and taking care of his family. Rest in peace Mark.
"Mom" Greenthal
Sarah Doloff
August 4, 2007
I didn't know mark all that well, but I know his wife and children and i love them and they are beautiful. I know that has something to do with them. You have to be an amazing man to have such a wonderful wife and mother and such beautiful amazing children. They are all blessed for the time they had:)
Stacy Ayers
August 4, 2007
I am proud to say that I am Mark's wife! He was and still is my soulmate and I miss him dearly. He was so proud of our boys, Ian and Dylan. The boys were everything to him and I am devestated that he won't see them graduate high school, get married and enjoy our grandchildren. I love you Mark and I am grateful that you gave me two beautiful children and that you brought me into your awesome family. They are truly the best in-laws anyone could ever have. Mark, I love you bunches!!
John Ketchmark
July 18, 2007
I went to high school with Mark and he was a very memorable individual at CCHS in the 80's. He was a great guy! My prayers go out to the Ayers Family.
Beth Eddy
July 13, 2007
Mark truly was one of the most caring and loving people in my life. We have been through so much together. He always knew how to make me laugh no matter what. I will miss his endless support and unconditional love. Know that the space he took in my heart will remain empty until the end of time. Sleep peacefully with the angels my dear sweet Marky boy.
Kathy Ochs
July 12, 2007
Beth, I was so sorry to read about your brother. I remember the stories you shared about Mark, showing the admiration you felt for him and his accomplishments. You are in my thoughts.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Mark Johnson
July 12, 2007
I attended HS with Mark and was shocked by news of his death. I am hopeful that the family will be able to recover from this tragedy.
Martha Feeney (Kistner)
July 11, 2007
What a great loss to the world! I remember him as a happy kid. Wish I could have known the man. So very sorry for this tragedy. Prayers to you all
Judy Krause
July 11, 2007
Rita and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Judy Reed Krause
formerly of Bloomington Il
LEROY EDDY
July 11, 2007
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY ON THIS UNEXPECTED LOSS.
Mary Ryan
July 10, 2007
Rita and family we were so very sorry to have read of your sons passing. Please know all family and your son will be in our prayers. Mary and Roger Ryan
Lynne Brown
July 10, 2007
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your son, Rita. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Jim Ricker
July 9, 2007
I am a family friend from KC. Mark and I played some golf together and told a ton of lies together. :) It was great to see his Bears lose to the Chiefs back in the early 90's so I could hang the sign on my door for him to view. :) He was a good sport and only gave me a minor beating. I know he loved his family and protected his sisters as much as he could. :) I lost touch with him after he moved from KC but his family kept me up on his successes. I know his children will carry on his name well.
We'll miss you Mark!
Sincerely,
Jim Ricker
Dale Giermann
July 9, 2007
I worked with Mark @ Bishops back in Bloomington. His fun loving spirit will be missed.
Matt HAgerty
July 9, 2007
I went to Central Catholic and played football with Mark. I am sorry we lost touch over the years and greatly saddened by the loss of a close high school friend and teammate.
Winning the state football championship made our team a very close group and today we all feel the loss of a brother. On behalf of all Mark’s teammates I extend our deepest sympothy and prayers to his wife and children, his mom, dad, Tim, Andrea, and Beth.
Jamie (Buford) Wibben
July 9, 2007
I was a classmate of Mark's from our early St Mary's days to graduating at Central Catholic. I am sadned to hear of his passing. My sympathy and prayers to his entire family.
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