Ruth Ann Ayres, 71, of Humansville, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021. 

  Ruth Ann was born to parents Harry Gillapsy and Bernice (Cowan) Gillapsy, on Oct. 12, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa.

  Ruth Ann met Gary Ayres in Phoenix, Arizona. They were married Jan. 15,1977 in Las Vegas, NV. Together they raised two children, Megan Calfee and Bethany Ayres.

  Ruth Ann demonstrated a loving and practical approach to life. She was often heard expressing that “when life deals lemons, then make lemonade.” Witty with a contagious laugh, Ruth Ann was a fiesty woman with a zest for life. She will be fondly remembered as a loving individual with a pet in her lap, a book in her hand, and a smile on her face. 

  Ruth Ann is survived by Gary Ayres, spouse, Mary Ellen (Roger) Avelar, sister, Megan (Jeremy) Calfee, daughter, Bethany Ayres, daughter. She was loved by her grandchildren whom she adored: Kendrick Calfee, Jessica Mires, Peyton Calfee, James Mires, Alexander Calfee, Natalie Calfee, Caitlyn Mooneyham, Ryan Adamson, Joshua Adamson, Alexander Adamson, Savannah Adamson. Ruth is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins, brothers in law, daughters in law and her mother in law Geraldine Ayres. 

  Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Bernice (Cowan) Gillaspy. She was also preceded by granddaughter Rylie Adamson. 

  A Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 29, 2021 at Rondo Baptist Church (Missouri), more information will become available closer to the scheduled date. 

  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Butler Funeral Home, 407 E. Broadway, Bolivar, MO, 65613. To share condolences online, visit Ruth Ann’s obituary on butlerfuneralhome.com.