Billy Lee Ayres

Billy Lee Ayres, 93 of rural Tipton County died Friday evening, January 2, 2026 with his loving family by his side. He was born in Kosciusko County, Indiana on February 19, 1932 to Edward and Ruth (Metzger) Ayres. He married Clara Belle Garten on December 28, 1996; she survives.

Billy was a lifelong farmer, well known to everyone. He was very active in numerous organizations which include Murat Shriners Hospital, 32nd degree Mason Scottish Rite in Indianapolis, Austin Masonic Lodge 128 in Tipton, and he along with his wife belong to the Order of Eastern Star 541 in Cicero. He also was a life member of the Tipton Elks, a member of the Tipton Moose Lodge and the Jesters. Billy enjoyed participating with the Indianapolis Horse Patrol as they paraded in numerous communities over the years. He was most at home with his church family at East Union Christian Church.

Survivors include his wife, Clara; children Virginia Reid (Bob), Nancy Jaggi (Tod), Billy Ayres (Kim), Rick Hatcher (Brenda), Lorrie Neal (Gary), Kenneth Newcom (Cherie), Steve Newcom, Tom Newcom (Anita), Jeff Newcom (Kim), and Randy Newcom (Teri).

His loving grandchildren include, Kristen Kanazeh, Brett Reid, Natalie Anderson, Jennifer Petta, Tod Jaggi, Brook Leiter, Blake Ayres, Bradley Davenport, Angie Davenport, Merilee Ripberger, Jennifer Krause, Matt Newcom, Stepanie Marcos, Scott Newcom, Jeffrey Newcom, Doug Newcom, Jason Newcom, Mandy Larson, Chad Newcom, Craig Newcom, Clint Newcom, Sara Beth Murphy, Emily Hill, Patrick Hatcher, Katelin Zaragocas, Allison Wolthuis, Jordan Hill and Laryn Nichols. Billy was also blessed with several great and great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his seven siblings, Ruby Montel, Edna Malloy, Dick Sellers, Arden Ayres, Louise Plummer, Mary Tridel and Isabelle Deafenbaugh. Also preceding him in death are his daughter Kay Davenport and daughter-in-law Jill Newcom.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the East Union Christian Church with Rev. Mark Knapp presiding. A family graveside burial will follow at Union Cemetery. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 7 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church and also Thursday morning at 10:00 prior to the service. The Elks will conduct a memorial service at 7:00 Wednesday evening as well as the Masons conducting a memorial at 7:30 followed by an Eastern Star service.

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorial donations made to Shriners Hospital Pediatric Burn Care 1, Children's Plaza 2 West, Dayton, OH, 45404, Children’s Wish Indiana, 7212 North Shadeland Avenue, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN, 46250, or St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Ayres family during their time of need. On-line condolences may be made at: www.young-nichols.com.