Ivan L. Ayers

Ivan L. Ayers, 91, formerly of Fairbury passed away on November 1 ^st at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE.  Ivan was the firstborn son of George & Pearl (Haggart) Ayers in Delphos, Kansas on October 10, 1928.  He lived most of his youth and early adulthood on the farm in rural Morrowville, Kansas. Ivan joined the Army in April of 1951.  After returning from the service, he married the love of his life, Loretta M Culp, on October 12, 1953. To this union 6 Children were born: Charlotte who died shortly after birth, Christine (Chris), Fred, Cheri, John, & Jeri.

Ivan never knew a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met yet.  He worked for the Rock Island railroad until they went out of business. He then moved to Iowa to work on the railroad there until moving to Pratte, Ks where he continued to work on the railroad.  He retired and moved back to Washington, KS to be near his mother.  When his mother passed, they moved back to Fairbury, NE.

Ivan learned to fly in 1978. He truly enjoyed flying single engine planes and did so until he lost his vision.  He loved to take his Grandchildren for rides.   When he could no longer fly, he taught himself how to play a button accordion. He played until shortly before his passing. Ivan was a great storyteller and loved to talk about all his adventures in Germany while stationed there.  He rarely told the same story twice.

Ivan was preceded in death by Infant Daughter Charlotte, his Parents, Brother Fred E. Ayers, Son John P.  Ayers and son in law Dennis Stafford.

Ivan is survived by His Wife Loretta Ayers, Brother Lester Ayers of Washington KS, Daughters Chris Robinson of Sturgis, SD, Cheri (Michael) Williams of Fairbury, Jeri Stafford of California City, CA, Son Fred D. Ayers of Alliance NE, daughter in law Tami Ayers of Lincoln NE.

10 Grandchildren Ryan Robinson (Shada) of Gering NE, Brandon Robinson (Marissa) of Cairo NE, Eric Robinson (Katie) of Sturgis SD, LaTisha Dux (Nolan) of Fairbury NE, Jessica Hynek (Colby) of Hebron NE, Jared Williams of Hebron NE, John F Ayers (Amber) of Hickman NE, Jamie Chambers (Cody) of Bennet NE, Mollie Ayers of Lincoln NE & Niki Kelly (James III) of California City CA.

18 Great Grand Children- Sierra, Ethan & Keira Robinson, Lily & Mathew Robinson, Olivia Robinson, Jayce Williams, Riata Hynek, Aizlyn & Presley Ayers, Jaxson, Callen & Maklin Chambers, Allie & Delilah Ayers, Seamus (James IV), Sydney & Sean Kelly.

Numerous nieces & nephews & family friends.

Services will be Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fairbury.  The family will greet friends at the Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5 – 7.  Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery.  Memorials have been established to the Family’s Choice.  Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.gerdesmeyerfh.com