Ronald D. Ayers

WOONSOCKET - Ronald D. Ayers, 73, died to newness of life on August 4, 2021 at The Miriam Hospital. Born the son of Harold E. and Ruth L. (Spaulding) Ayers he was the loving husband of Shirley E. (Goosetrey) Ayers for 48 years. Ron was born in Potsdam, NY, and raised in Edwards, NY. He came to RI to attend Barrington College, then located in Barrington, RI, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree and met Shirley. He was an outstanding baritone horn player and knowledgeable musician.
Ron worked for Woonsocket Supply Company and later for Homestead Kitchen Center before starting his own wallpapering and painting business that allowed him to employ his skills and creativity to make homes beautiful.

Ron was a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he had served as an usher, sung in the choir, and been a member of the vestry and parish council. Two of his last large projects were to renovate the parish hall and the storage area of the Prescott Beach Food Bank.

Ron joined Morning Star Lodge #13, Free and Accepted Masons, in Woonsocket and served in various offices. He painted and enhanced many of the Woonsocket Masonic Temple's rooms. He later joined Montgomery Lodge in Milford, MA. He joined Woonsocket Chapter #3, Order of the Eastern Star, then the largest fraternal organization for men and women in the world, in 1981. He held several offices in the local chapter, serving as Worthy Patron eight times, as well as offices in the Grand Chapter of RI. He was Worthy Grand Patron in 2003-2004 with Nancy Gombeyski and in 2014-2015 with Lynne Harrell. At the time of his death, he was serving with Denise Shippee and was also a General Grand Chapter Committee Member on Ritual, a national appointment.

Ron was an avid New England Patriots fan and had the man cave to prove it. He was a season ticket holder for over 30 years.

Ron is survived by his wife, Shirley, his brother Bruce D. (Carol) Ayers, nieces Sharon O'Neill and Mary Powell as well as his brother- in-law and sister-in-law James and Joyce (Goosetrey) Hixson, two nephews Robert and Earl Hixson, and several God-children. He left his well-loved cats Doodler and Cooper to keep Shirley company.

Calling hours will be held at Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main Street, Woonsocket, on Friday, August 13, from 4 7 P. M. An Eastern Star memorial service will be conducted at 6 P. M. His funeral will be at St. James Episcopal Church, 24 Hamlet Ave., Woonsocket, on Saturday, August 14th, at 11 A. M. Burial will be private.

In light of the present CDC guidelines and the uptick in Covid cases, social distancing and masks are encouraged and would be appreciated.

www.holtfuneralhome.com