BETTY AYRES

Betty Walters Ayres, 90, died peacefully on Oct. 9, 2024, at the Kendal Assisted Living Facility in Lexington surrounded by her loving family. She had survived numerous health issues over the past several years and fought valiantly during her last illness.

Betty was born Aug. 19, 1934, in Marshall, Fauquier County.

After graduating from King William High School, she moved to Richmond and went to work for the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Co. Soon after, she met John. They married, and built their first house in Ellerson. In the summer of 1961, they moved to Northern Virginia where she lived and raised a family until retiring in 1989. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Lexington.

Betty was a longtime active member of Oxford Presbyterian Church. She loved spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, gardening and traveling.

In addition to her parents, Magnus and Jenny Walters, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years John Allison Ayres Sr., and her brother Magnus Walters Jr.

Betty is survived by her sisters, Frances Henningsen, Rachael Gray, Shirley Watson and Emily Wood; one brother, Roger Walters and his wife, Dina; one son John Ayres Jr. and his wife, Vikki, of Fairfax Station; two daughters, Brenda Coulter and her husband, Jeff, of New Castle and Karen Redmon and her husband, Bill, of Warrenton; eight grandchildren; 15 - plus one on the way - great-grandchildren. Also surviving are 13 nieces and nephews.

A service was conducted Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Oxford Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Kyle Segars with interment following in Oxford Presbyterian Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oxford Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 143 Oxford Lane, Lexington, VA 24450 Arrangements were by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory.