Ruth Edna Sorrow Ayres

Ruth Edna (Sorrow) Ayres, 95, died March 6, 2014 in Venice, FL, where she had made her home for the past 5 years. Ruth was born March 3, 1919 in Pratt, Kansas, where she attended elementary and high school. Ruth graduated from Southwestern Bible College in Enid, Oklahoma on May 5, 1939. She was a classmate of Rev. Earl Ayres who later became her husband. Ruth moved to California at age 21, and sought employment in the first supermarket in the United States, Ralph's Market in Beverly Hills. With the onset of World War II, women began to fill the significant places in the grocery business, and Ruth became a charter member of the grocery clerks' union. She retired from Safeway stores in 1973. Ruth was reunited with an old college friend, Rev. Earl L. Ayres, in 1973. They married on August 30, 1975 in Buena Park, California. Ruth and Earl moved to El Paso, Texas in 1980, where they lived for 30 years. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage before his death in Venice at age 94. Ruth and Earl traveled to all 50 states, as well as visiting Canada and Europe. They were welcome guests and enjoyed prolonged visits with family and friends. They were known for their great hospitality and their many acts of kindness and service. Ruth was dearly loved and cherished for her sweet smile, her gentle sense of humor, the laughter that invited all around her to join in, her great patience and genuine interest in people, her ability to listen deeply to their words and hearts, and her quiet wisdom and her celebration of each day. Ruth enjoyed many friendships and continued to make friends until her death. She gave to her beloved step-family and those who knew her a model of companionship, joy, faith, love, and loyalty. She will be greatly missed. Ruth is survived by her beloved step-children, Dr. Eileen Reamy (Dr. Kenneth) of Venice, Mrs. Elora Crymes of Montana, and Rev. Frank Ayres (Karen) of Oregon, 11 step-grandchildren, 20 step-great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. She is survived also by her cherished nieces and nephews , Lila Lee, Shirley Ann Delling, Sharon Books, William Lee Beasley, III, Thomas Allen Bishop, and John Arthur Bishop. Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, her step-daughter Juanita Case, her parents Henry and Kate Mae Beauchamp Sorrow, sisters Edith Stutzman, Mary Beasley, and Bess Mae Bishop, brother William Adolphus, and half-brother Elmer Sorrow. Ruth will be buried at Karoma Cemetery in Goltry, Oklahoma after a graveside service conducted by her step-son Rev. Frank Ayres. Earl's ashes will be buried with her. Following her wishes, no other memorial services are planned. Arrangements entrusted to Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel. To send condolences please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to TideWell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238. Service Information Date: Friday, March 14, 2014 Time: 11:00 am Graveside services at Karoma Cemetery in Goltry, Oklahoma