Jane Marie Ayers

Jane Abbott Ayers, 88, passed away Monday, August 7, 2017, in Abilene, Texas. Born on June 4, 1929, on a farm in Stonewall County, Texas, Jane was the youngest of eight children of Thomas Nathan and Alma Lee (Aycock) Abbott. She attended schools in Aspermont, Texas, graduating in 1946. In the fall she enrolled in McMurry College (now University), graduating in 1950 with a BS Degree. On August 25, 1950, she married Richard George Ayers. Prior to their move to Colorado, Jane served as secretary to the superintendent of school in Borger for several years. She also worked for both Stanolind Oil & Gas and Phillips Petroleum Co. After a few years of marriage, they were blessed with two children, Sally Ann and Seth Abbott. Almost half of their married life was spent in Colorado, first in Grand Junction and then in Colorado Springs. Jane was a stay-at-home mom after the children came along. After they were grown, she worked at Colorado College in the alumni department. Richard was a teacher for a few years, followed by many years as Superintendent of Schools in both Grand Junction and Colorado Springs. After Richard retired in late 1989, they moved to Abilene to be near family. In Abilene they were members of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where for several years Jane was active in United Methodist Women, Ruth Circle and a member of Wesleyans Open Door Sunday School Class. She was also a volunteer at Presbyterian Medical Care Mission for several years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 2002; daughter, Sally Ann Ayers; parents; one brother and six sisters. Jane is survived by her son, Seth Ayers of Abilene; granddaughter, Janna Redding and her children, Gabriel Redding and Lucy Redding, all of Austin; and several very dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Visitation will be 6:00PM to 8:00PM Friday, August 11, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene. Funeral services will be 10:00AM Saturday, August 12, at the funeral home chapel officiated by Rev. Dustin McEwen. Graveside services will follow at 2:30PM Saturday in Aspermont Cemetery, Aspermont, Texas. Memorials may be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, PO Box 6839, Abilene, TX 79608; Love & Care Ministries, 233 Fannin Street, Abilene, TX 79603; or Presbyterian Medical Care Mission, 1857 Pine Street Suite 100, Abilene, TX 7960.