Carol Joan Ayers

Carol Joan Ayers passed away on December 26, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was born on December 9, 1948, in Hastings, Michigan, to Maynard B. and Ardyth V. (Kingsley) Park.

Carol graduated from Thornapple Kellogg High School. On May 6, 1971, she married Otis "Sam" Marshall Ayers, and they enjoyed over 50 years until his passing.  She worked for over 20 years at Bradford White.

Carol's zest for life was shone through her love for sports, with countless golf and bowling trophies attesting to her talent and passion. Beyond sports, she cherished the simple joy of playing cards, creating laughter and lasting memories with friends and family at the table.

She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, her husband, Otis "Sam" Ayers, her sister Pamela (Doug) Cook, and her son Chris Ayers.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Amanda Ayers, and her adoring grandchildren, Emerson and Paisley Schmidt, who loved her "to the moon and back;" her sister Judy (Jerry) Jackiewicz, her many nieces and nephews, and her special close friends, Melinda and Cheryl, who stood by her through thick and thin. Carol's absence will be felt by many, including her classmates with whom she met for monthly lunches, the countless golfers from Yankee Springs Golf Course, and the girls with whom she shared countless card games.

A visitation will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI on Friday, January 10, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM, with interment at Ft. Custard National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, when the weather is warmer. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.