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Michael Ayala

1954 - 2020

Michael Ayala obituary, 1954-2020, Sonora, CA

BORN

1954

DIED

2020

Michael Ayala Obituary

Longtime Sonora resident and former Highway Patrol Lieutenant Michael "Mike" Ayala passed away on Dec. 6, 2020, of Covid-19. He was 66.
Born in Burlingame, Mike spent the past 21 years in Sonora. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1974 in Long Beach, California. He served on the California Highway Patrol for 30 years, as a patrolman, sergeant, and lieutenant commander in Sonora for 10 years. He loved his family, his God and his community, and he served them all enthusiastically.
Mike is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy Ayala; children Erin Natter, of Culver City, and Heather Smith, of Fresno; grandchildren Sophia, Jackson, Aria and Nehemiah; and his sister, Lisa Ayala. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Manuel Ayala.
There will be a private family service on Tuesday, Dec. 15. Memorial donations can be made to: Peaceful Journey The Ronald M. Hamilton Foundation, PO Box 175, Tuolumne, CA 95379.

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

Published by Sonora Union Democrat from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Cheryl Caudill

December 5, 2024

I was just thinking about Mike the other day. Beautiful wife and family left behind. Our wagon train hero. Hugs to family

Donfarley

December 19, 2020

Thank you for your 30 year service with the CHP. YOUR a true hero!

Paul Burke

December 18, 2020

Hey Mike! Will always remember you and your thoughtful wife, Nancy, for supporting me during my June 15,1984, Modesto CHP Area critical incident shooting, especially her supporting newspaper letter to the editor Modesto Bee while I was convalescing from serious wounds at home. I still have the article here. Thank you for being True Blue and a genuine, caring brother Officer. God Bless.

Julie Boyle

December 14, 2020

Such a great person. You will be missed

Cheryl Caudill

December 13, 2020

Mike is a huge loss to so many people. I was part of the wagon train adventures over the Sonora Pass, he called me Rosebud (my wagon train name) long after the train had ended.
Mike was so proud of his family, and especially his bride Nancy. An outstanding human being I was proud to call my friend.

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