Sue Ayres

Alice 'Sue' (Reed) Ayres, longtime resident of the Bluejacket and Welch area, passed away October 10th, 2025, at the age of 91. Sue was born February 2, 1934 in Pulaski, Virginia to Charles and Alice (Crabb) Reed. She and her mother moved to Neosho, Missouri to be closer to family and for her to begin school. Sue attended school in Neosho, and after graduation she attended business college in Miami, OK.
While attending business college she met her husband, Leo Eugene Ayres, and they were married on August 27, 1955 in the home of Leo's parents, William C. 'Bill' and Muril Ayres of Bluejacket. They lived a short time in Miami, where she worked for the Neal Norton Motor Company, before moving to Bluejacket and then to Welch in 1964. She worked as secretary to the Craig County Commissioners, and then later transferred to the Department of Human Services where she worked as a social worker until her retirement in 1988.
Sue, along with her husband, was involved in the American Legion Dale Peace Post 40, working at the Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo concession stands, selling rodeo advertisements and programs, and she also spent many years selling rodeo tickets. Every year she enjoyed watching the rodeo from her favorite spot, the chute seats. She also served as Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade Marshal in 2022.
Sue loved to set up at various flea markets and poultry swaps and was known to many as the 'The Frame Lady'. She loved people and looked forward to catching up with all of her friends that she made through the years, listening to their stories, and sharing stories about her family. She was also an avid bowler, traveling across the country competing in the Women's International Bowling Congress.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws, and her husband of 55 years.
Sue is survived by two daughters, Becky Highsmith and husband Greg, and Kandy Ayres, both of rural Bluejacket; three grandchildren, Terra Vail and husband Bryant, Jesse Highsmith, and Whitney Collins and husband Seth; five great-grandchildren, Brannan and Malynna Vail, Jayton, Blakley, and Clancey Collins; sister-in-laws Elaine Myers and husband Tom, Linda Coats and husband Ron, and Carol McClain and husband Skip; and brother-in-law Doug Ayres and wife Jeanie; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends.
The family will receive family and friends from 5-7 PM at Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Graveside services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at the Bluejacket Cemetery with Pastor Skip McClain officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Welch Xi Eta Alpha Sorority or Neighbors Helping Neighbors in Vinita.
The family would like to thank Dr. Curtis Phillips, the nurses, techs, and staff of St. Francis Vinita, and the nurses and staff of Compasses Hospice Care of Langley for the great care she received during her stay in the hospital.
Arrangements are under the care of Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral & Cremation Services of Vinita, OK. "Vinita's only locally family owned and operated funeral home."