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Rosemary Ayers Obituary

Ayers, Rosemary Margaret (nee McDonald), age 96, March 17, 2013 of Oak Crest Retirement Center, DeKalb, IL, formerly of Lockport, IL. Survived by her loving children; a son, Harold (Ann) Ayers, Jr. of Brielle, NJ; three daughters, Bonnie (Jim) Ward of Sycamore, Janice (Jim) Wright of The Villages, FL and Cindy Sue Riley of Sycamore, IL; six grandchildren, James David (Joan) Ward, Christie Nelson, Joseph Philip (Gina) Ward, Robert James Wright, Ryan Riley and Bridget Riley; eight great-grandchildren, Sloane Wright Nelson, Cole Wright Nelson, J.T. Ward, Jeffery Joseph Ward, Jack Lee Ward, Noah Liszewski, Brittanie Stepp, and Joseph Arthur Ward; sister, Marjorie (late Royce) Beavers of Lockport; Grace (late Jack) McDonald sister-in-law of Florida and sister-in-law, Lois (late Verne) Solberg of Colorado. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Joliet, IL, she was a resident of Lockport, IL for 82 years before moving to Oak Crest Retirement Home in DeKalb, IL, where she resided for the last 14 years. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Harold George Ayers, Sr.; by her daughter, Beth Ann (Dan) Devine of California; her son Russell Vernon Ayers; parents, John E. McDonald and Caroline Stanger McDonald; a sister, Virginia (Vince) Hartford and two brothers, Jack McDonald and Robert McDonald. Graduate of Lockport Township High School. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker who influenced her six children through the unconditional love and the continuous support she shared with each of them. Rosemary was special, thoughtful, caring and a devoted parent. Her legacy will be the outstanding role model that she was for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family will receive friends at Goodale Memorial Chapel, 912 S. Hamilton Street, Lockport, IL 60441 Thursday, March 21, 2013 from 10:00 AM until time of prayers at 11:30 AM and then to St. Joseph Church, 410 S. Jefferson Street, Lockport, IL 60441 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM. Interment, Lockport City Cemetery, Lockport, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation or Oak Crest Retirement Center would be appreciated. For information, www.goodalememorialchapel.com or 815-838-1533.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Mar. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Rosemary Ayers

Not sure what to say?





April 19, 2013

harold,your mom was a lovely person. my husband had alz too. he passed away nov. 2010. kay murray stonitsch

March 21, 2013

Rosemary enjoyed playing with our 2yo grandson when we visited our Oak Crest friends. So sorry for your loss. -- Debra Burgin

March 21, 2013

alzheimers is a long journey.my husband had the same illnes. I pray for all of you. kay murray stonitsch.

March 20, 2013

My condolences to the Ayers family,

Cindy Sue was my college roommate at Western Illinois University. I will never forget how a phone call from her mom and dad would lift her spirits. They never failed to share love and encouragement with her.
When I was a guest at their home, Rosemary was always making sure you were comfortable and well fed. She was kind and gracious.


Julie Russell Benstent

Linnie Aspel Beckham

March 20, 2013

Harold, Bonnie, Janice, Cindy, and families - I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom (Grandma). She was such a sweet person and a great Mom. I'll never forget her. Our families were very close - many great memories! You all have my deepest sympathy and prayers.....God Bless!

John (Jack) Diaz

March 20, 2013

Harold,Bonnie and family, my deepest condolences in the passing of your Mother. You are all in my prayers.

Bevie Aspel O'Brien

March 20, 2013

Harold, Bonnie, Janice, Cindy, and all family,

Growing up across the street from 'The Ayers's' was a memory that will always be a part of me. I can still picture 'Sis' sitting at the ironing board in your living room. Beth and I were pretty close, too, and we spent many hours playing hopscotch, jump rope or 'cheering' outside. On Christmas mornings we would first look to see if your family was up before opening our gifts.. So very sorry for your loss. I will always treasure those memories of Sis, and each and every one of you....

Bevie Aspel O'Brien

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Funeral services provided by:

Goodale Memorial Chapel & Heartland Cremation Services

912 Hamilton St, Lockport, IL 60441

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