William Jesse Ayers

William Jesse Ayers, 85, passed from death into life with our Lord on Monday February 15th.

Jesse was born on December 30, 1935 in the home of his parents Ernest and Marguerite (Brunk) Ayers. He graduated from Pawnee High School. Shortly after he met the love of his life, Jennie Lou Dickman on the square dance floor in Edinburg, IL. Jesse was united in marriage to Jennie Lou (Dickman) Ayers on June 24, 1956.

Jesse loved people. He was a friendly man. He loved God, his family, church, country, to work and be with people. Jesse served his country as a member of the National Guard in Ft Knox, KY and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO and his local community as Cotton Hill Township trustee and election judge. As a family grain and livestock farmer he loved what he did working alongside his parents, brother, son, grandson and granddaughter for many years. Jesse also had a strong love for the Lord and his church. He was a charter member of Sugar Creek United Methodist Church where he was active in Sunday school, choir, church meals and dinner for 8 among many other things. He enjoyed sharing life with other members. Jesse also loved people by driving a school bus for Chatham Glenwood, delivering US Mail, and the State Journal Register at different points in his life. At home Jesse always made sure his home was decorated for the holiday season and greeted anyone who passed with a BIG wave! In his lifetime Jesse kept the orthopedic center busy, having at least 6 hip replacements, ending with concrete holding him together. He rarely complained, was a very patient person, and seldom got upset; it was his friendly nature. In his final years Jesse was still mowing his grass, helping at the New City Greenhouse, playing cards with family, and waving at everyone who passed his home. Jesse was well loved and will be deeply missed.

He is survived by wife, Jennie Lou (Dickman) Ayers, son, Jimmy Lynn (Cydney) Ayers and daughter Jo Ann Yeaman. Two grandchildren Cathryn (Weston) Seifert, and Cameron Lee Ayers, Brother, Everett (Joyce) Ayers, sister-in-law Berniece Larimore, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Wes Yeaman.

 Visitation will be Monday, February 22, from 4:00-7:00PM at Sugar Creek United Methodist Church, 1022 New City Rd, Chatham, IL 62629. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at the church at 10:00AM with Reverend Paul Dinges Officiating with burial to follow  at Edinburg Cemetery. Donations can be made to Sugar Creek United Methodist Church.

Guests are asked to please wear a mask and observe CDC and Social Distancing guidelines when attending.

Wilson Park Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St, Rochester, IL. 62563 is in charge of arrangements.

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