Rafael Ayala Rodriguez

Rafael Ayala Rodriguez, 64, of Centertown, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2015, while visiting his hometown of Degollado Jalisco, Mexico. He was born on November 18, 1950, in Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico, the son of Jose Ayala and Zenaida Rodriguez de Ayala. He was united in marriage on November 1, 1967, in Degollado, Jalisco, Mexico to Elia Zaragoza Berber who survives of the home. Rafael owned and operated a cattle ranch near his hometown of Degollado. He and his wife recently purchased a farm near Centertown, Missouri and moved here to be closer to their six sons and their families who own and operate the El Jimador and El Espolon Mexican Restaurants here in Central Missouri. He was a devout Catholic and attended St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. As a lifetime farmer, he enjoyed raising cattle and other animals on his farms. He is also survived by his mother, Zenaida; eight brothers and sisters; six sons: Jaime Ayala with his wife, Blanca of Jefferson City, Jose Guadalupe Ayala with his wife, Gloria of Sedalia, Jose Alfredo Ayala, with his wife, Carolina of Jefferson City, Rafael Ayala with his wife Maria del Carmen of Jefferson City, Andres Ayala with his wife, Linda of Jefferson City; Jose Jesus Ayala with his wife, Raquel of Camdenton; 25 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father: Jose Ayala. Mass of Christian Burial (Spanish) will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2015, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Father Colin Franklin officiating. This was to accommodate out of town family who have been here in Jefferson City. The public visitation for friends and family will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home. A rosary will be recited in Spanish at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2015, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home followed by the entombment at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church for its Spanish Ministry. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com