Lucille Ayers

Lucille Helen Ayers, 90, of Yakima, Wash., entered into the arms of Jesus Friday, February 4, 2005, at Landmark Care Center surrounded by her loving family. A celebration of life was held Saturday, February 12 at the Nile Valley Community Church. Memorials may be made to Flying H Youth Ranch, c/o Keith and Keith Funeral Home.

Lucille Helen was born in Beach, N.D., on June 28, 1914, to J.W. and Lizetta (Wild) Snow of French Creek. She was proud to be an Iowa girl and graduated from high school in Preston, Minn., in 1932.

Lucille married C.O. Yoder in January of 1934 and they were blessed with a daughter, Patty, in August 1940.

In 1947, Lucille and Patty were blessed when Paul W. Ayers became a part of their lives. They lived in Sioux City, Iowa, until moving to Yakima in 1977 to be near Patty and their grandchildren.

Lucille was an excellent homemaker and a wonderful cook. The grandchildren loved to go to Grandma and Grandpa Ayers home where they knew there would always be goodies.

Lucille was known for her beautiful quilts and left each grandchild a loving treasure of her work.

Lucille’s greatest pleasures included spending time with her family, especially if there was going to be a picnic. She also enjoyed train trips back to Iowa and her 80th birthday cruise to Alaska with Patty.

She was a people person, which is why waitressing gave her so much pleasure. She never got over the desire to serve up a fine meal.

She will always be remembered as a foxy lady with her easy laughter and quick wit.

Lucille is survived by her daughter, Patty (Allan) Simmons, and her “adopted” daughter, Karen Johnson, both of the Nile Valley; and her grandchildren, Gwen (Mike) Hastings of Alberton, Canada, Brad Simmons of the Nile Valley, Jonpaul (Stephanie) Simmons of Cle Elum, Tricia (John Paul) Hawley of Othello, and Tamie (Willie Gonzalez) Johnson of the Nile Valley. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren, six great-great-grandchildren (as well as another who is one the way), and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Ayers; her parents, Jay Wesley and Lizetta (Wild) Snow; two sisters, Sylvia Sadler and Florence Armstrong; and a brother, J.W. Snow Jr.