Irene Ayres

Mrs. Irene C. Ayres, age 99 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., died Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Capital Region Medical Center. Irene was born July 18, 1910, in Clarksburg, Mo., the daughter of Frank B. and Agnes Boyd Clark. She was married on August 25, 1945, in Jefferson City, Mo., to Raymond Ayres, who preceded her in death on March 2, 1962. Irene graduated from Clarksburg High School and attended college at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Mo. She received a B.S. in education from the Central Missouri University at Warrensburg, Mo. Irene also did graduate work at the University of Colorado, the University of Wisconsin, and received a M.A. in mathematics from Lincoln University. A teacher for 40 years, Irene taught at the elementary level for 10 years, and for 30 years she taught mathematics at the ninth grade. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church; the Chapel Sunday School Class; the Sarah Circle; the Order of the Eastern Star, Jefferson Chapter No. 496; a member of the Capital City Federated Women's Club; a member of the Cole County Retired Teachers; and a member of the Tau Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, the honorary teachers society. Survivors include: one son, Michael C. Ayres and Shirley Schilare of Moberly, Mo.; one daughter-in-law, Jennifer Dickey and her husband Steve of Jefferson City, Mo.; two grandchildren, Derek Ayres and his wife Christina and Nicole Gant and her husband Brad; three great-grandchildren, Ashlee Decker, Darian Decker, and Gabe Gant. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, Dr. George Clark. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 22, 2010, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Daniel Hilty officiating. Graveside services and interment will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Versailles Cemetery, Versailles, Mo. Visitation will be at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Friday. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com