Dorothy Rae "Dot" Ayers

Dorothy "Dot" Rae Ayers didn't just live life; she worked it, loved it, and made sure everyone around her was fed and cared for. You could show up on her doorstep, and she'd already have the coffee brewing, welcoming you with food and conversation. On January 3, 2026, Dot decided her shift was finally over, hanging up her shoes to join the great family reunion in the sky.

Born on August 24, 1943, to John Eugene Ayers and Louise Bruce Sale Ayers, Dot grew up with a front-row seat to the value of a hard day's work and a strong cup of coffee. She attended James Monroe High School, where she likely mastered the art of being kind but firm-a trait that would serve her well for the next several decades.

In 1958, she married her partner in mischief and life, Claude Humphrey "Dickie" Kovach. Life was tough, but Dot was tougher! For almost 20 years, she was a reliable and diligent employee at Servicetown Travel Plaza where the restaurant was the heart of the operation. It was here that Dot became a part of its hospitality and history, famous for its bottomless coffee, hearty breakfasts, and friendly service! Her commitment was driven by the need to provide for her family as she and Dickie had two children: James "Jamie" Matthew Kovach and Kimberly Dawn Kovach, both of whom were the lights of her life. Later, Dot would continue her strong work ethic at People's Distribution Center and Bowman's Distillery. After retiring, she worked part-time at Heartfield's Assisted Living (now Charter Senior Living) where her friendly nature continued to shine.

If you knew Dot, you knew she was always ready to show up to lend a hand or just have fun. Whether it was a crisis or just a Tuesday, she was always ready to go! She lived for annual family reunions, where she could catch up on all the latest news, hug every cousin twice, and ensure the Ayers and Sale legacies were alive and well. She looked forward to family vacations at Nags Head where kids, grandkids, and great grandkids enjoyed life away from the daily grind.

She was a dedicated member of Falmouth Baptist Church, where she found community and a place to share her quiet, steadfast faith. For several years she was on the hospitality committee that prepared the food set-up for funerals and other church-related events, continuing her tradition to service.

In addition to her children, Jamie (Brenda) and Kim, she leaves behind a large family: her grandchildren, Jessica Kovach Newton (Jimmy), Ashley Kovach (Mark), Alyson Kovach Taylor (Joseph), Andy Smith (Maggie), and Kaitlyn Creager; and great-grandchildren Blake, Hunter, Cora, Nate, Avery, Dayton, and Alex, all of whom brought a special sparkle to her later years.

She is also survived by her sister, Linda Ayers Zebrowski (Tony), and lots of extended family who will miss her unwavering presence.

Dot was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dickie; her sister, Evelyn Louise Ayers Parker; and her brother, Everette Hap Ayers.

Dot was a humble and loving person who didn't require anything fancy. Give her a family gathering, a job well done, and the people she loved, and she was the richest woman in the world.

A celebration of Dot's life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2026, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will follow at Falmouth Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you simply do a kind deed for a neighbor or work a little extra hard today in her honor. Rest in Peace!