The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

Blanche Minnie Ayers, 89, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday (January 12, 2012) at Kirksville Manor Care Center.

The daughter of William Albert and Minnie Viola (Shoop) Williams, she was born January 23, 1922 in Novinger, Missouri. On July 13, 1941 in Lancaster, Missouri, Blanche was united in marriage to Edward Ayers who preceded her in death in September of 1988.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Vena Lou Lumadue; four brothers and three sisters.

Blanche is survived by her son-in-law, Don Lumadue of Des Moines, IA; sister-in-law, Leona Williams of Darnell, AR; nieces, Mary Anderson and husband Larry, Susan Clark and Laura Shipley all of Kirksville, MO, and Sue Parton and Sally Williams both of Brashear, MO; nephews, Neal Clark and wife Lyreva of Hannibal, MO, Russell Clark and wife Valerie of Fairhope, AL, Ricky Williams of Novinger, MO and George Williams of Springfield, AR, as well as a number of great nieces and nephews.

Blanche received her education in the Novinger public schools. She worked for home health a number of years. After her marriage, Blanche helped her husband farm until moving to Kirksville in 1975. Blanche was a marvelous cook and enjoyed entertaining her family. She enjoyed working cross word puzzles and crafts.

Blanche was a strong Christian lady and member of the Meadow Brook Christian Church of Kirksville. Blanche never had a bad word to say of anyone.

Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday (January 15, 2012) at the Downing Cemetery in Downing, Missouri, with Pastor Richard Lawrence presiding.

No public visitation will be held. Arrangements will be taken care of by Travis-Noe Funeral Home of Kirksville.