Marie Florence Ayres

Frankfort...Marie Florence Bantz Ayres, 84, former Sulphur Springs resident, died Tuesday at Wesley Manor Healthcare in Frankfort, Indiana after an extended illness.She was born in Albany, Indiana, February 7, 1920, the daughter of Elbert T. and Iva Pearl Bishop Bantz.She was a homemaker and worked as cook for Sulphur Springs Elementary School from 1978 to 1985.She was a charter member of the Rekamemoh Home Economics Club and a member of the Sulphur Springs United Church of Christ.She was preceded in death by her husband Oscar Royal Ayres in 1974.Survivors include: 1 daughter: Marilyn Reynolds of Frankfort, 4 sons: John Ayres of Lapier, MI, Ben Ayres of Frankfort, IN, Burl Ayres of Middletown and Robert Ayres of Springport, 11 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, 1 brother: Elbert E. Bantz of Mishawaka and 1 sister: Amy Gill of Lake Wales Florida, several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Friday at 2:00 PM at the Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th St., Middletown with Rev. Marty Ballard officiating.Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery in Middletown.Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 4-8 PM and one hour before the services on Friday.Memorial contributions may be made to the Sulphur Springs United Church of Christ or the American Diabetes Association.Online Guestbook is available at: www.ballardandsons.com