Mary Ruth Doby Ayers, 97, of Cameron, passed away Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2025, at Moore Regional Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Mary Ruth was born in Moore County, July 30, 1928, to the late Roma Doby and Feby Jarrell Doby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse A. Ayers Sr., her son, Jesse A. Ayers Jr., her son-in-law Michael Carlyle; brothers, Paul Doby, Walter Doby, Lacy Doby, David Doby and Odell Doby.
She is survived by her children, Elaine Gunter (Lowell), Aline Carlyle, Jeff Ayers (Stacey) all of Cameron; grandchildren Jonathan Gunter (Christy), Jennifer Pascarella, Chris Carlyle (Jessica), Brandi Ayers, Jessica Perdue (Doug), Nick Ayers, Ashley Dean (Braxton), Alison Dickens (Sam) Aaron Ayers (Hunter) and Jayden Ayers; great-grandchildren, Jake Ayers, Brian Ayers, Julian Perdue, Makayla Brewer, Cristina Pascarella, Gracelynn Dickens, Jack Dickens, Elsie Dean, William Dean and Eloise Dickens; daughter-in-law Roxanne Ayers; sister Hetty Nicholson and many nieces and nephews.
Mary Ruth was a hard worker on the farm, in the yard and at the Fastop Grill. A matter-of-fact person, she wasn’t one to show her emotions but was devoted to and loved her family more than anything in the world. Her strong will and determination have served as a guide to her children and their families their entire life.
She was a lifelong member of Lemon Springs Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends at Lemon Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 from 2 p.m until 3 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
509 Carthage Street, Sanford, NC 27330

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