Colleen Ruth Ayers

Colleen Ruth Ayers died on September 28, 2025, at the age of 99. She was born in Ionia, Michigan, on August 2, 1926, to Tom and Violet (Coates) Walsh. She married Phillip Ayers and together they had seven children.

Colleen cherished time spent with her family, especially hosting Christmas gatherings at her home. She enjoyed camping, watching car and boat races, solving puzzles, playing games, and canning. Longevity was a hallmark of her family, her mother Violet lived to the remarkable age of 107, and her sister Helen  reached 102.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Philip and her children David, Phillip, Mark and Misty.

She is survived by her children, Douglas (Vicki), Jeffrey, daughter Luann (Doug) Gould, and daughter-in-law Sandy, her grandchildren, Amy Granger, Brandy (James) Waite, Suzette (Dale) Gilley, Heidi (Thomas) Haggerty, Laura (Tim) Rydahl, Brent (Angie) Eggeman, Scott (Lindsey Bona) Eggeman, Phillip (Korin) Ayers, Jennifer (Paul) Tunell, Michele (Justin) Hanses, Jim (Joy) Tompkins, Justin (Aurora) Hakes, Jessica (Josh) Adams, Darci (Joel) Bennett, Travis Ayers, Devon (Garrett) Gerke, Daniel Stark, Tanya Stark, Jason Stark and Heather Stark along with 46 great-grandchildren and 30 great-great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will take place from 2:00-5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Moose Lodge, in Ionia, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ionia Community Awareness - Purple. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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