Obituary: Robert Ayers, 88, Ludington.

Robert Earl Ayers

Robert Earl Ayers, age 88 of Ludington passed away on Sunday June 14, 2015 at the Harbor Hospice Poppen Residence in Muskegon.

He was born on December 2, 1926 in Ludington, son of the late Earl and Louise (Zachow) Ayers.  Robert attended Ludington High School and graduated with the class of 1944.  He then enlisted in the United States Army serving during World War II until he was honorably discharged.

Robert married L. Jane Weir on September 15, 1951 in Ludington.  Robert and his brother Earl were the owners/operators of Ayers Plumbing & Heating.  They took over the business from their father and grandfather after working for them for several years.

He was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, an original member of St. John’s Lutheran Elementary School and a lifetime member of the Ludington American Legion Post 76.  Robert was very involved in the Mason County Softball Association and was proud to have won 2 Class B State Softball Championships.  He was an avid hunter and outdoorsmen, treasured time with family and friends and was also known for having a great sense of humor.

Robert is survived by his wife, L. Jane Ayers of Ludington; son, Robert (Maureen) Ayers, Jr. of Grand Rapids; daughters, Julie (Roger) Chappel of Ludington and Janice (Gary) Palis of Canton; 8 grandchildren, Mark, Steven and Allison Ayers, Aaron Chappel, Sarah (Noah) Laird, Vicki (Mark) Mitchell and  Jessica and Randy Palis; 4 great-grandchildren, Keelyn and Jaelyn Laird and Brooke and Megan Mitchell; sister, Helen Bortel of Montague; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Louise Rechtin and Alice Hull; and brother, Earl Ayers.

Funeral services for Robert will be held at 11:00AM on Thursday June 18, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ludington with Pastor Thomas Boehne officiating.  The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday June 17, 2015 at Oak Grove Funeral Home from 2:00 till 4:00PMand 6:00 till 8:00PM, and also on Thursday morning at the church from 10:00AM until time of service.  Burial with military honors conducted by the American Legion Post 76 will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington.

Memorial contributions in memory of Robert may be direct to either the American Legion Post 76 Scholarship Fund or St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Please feel free to share a memory or photo with Robert’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com.  The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.