Elizabeth Cora Ayers

Elizabeth Cora (Duncanson) Ayers, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2010, at Central Washington Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born in Wenatchee, WA on July 31, 1923, to Homer H. and Violet (Beagle) Duncanson, she attended high school until 1938, at which time she moved to Stockton, CA, graduating from Stockton High School in 1941. After graduation, she worked as a "Rosie, the Riveter" during World War II and later as a Librarian for Stockton School District. She married Harold "Hal" James Ayers on November 29, 1945, returning to Wenatchee in 1956, to raise their four children. Very active in the lives of her children, she was a fabulous cook and a frequent hostess to the many guests who dropped by their home. Bette came to know Christ in a deep and personal way in the 1970's. An avid reader, she studied the Word and became active in Women's Aglow Fellowship. She had a heart for the afflicted, the less fortunate and the lost, and became a powerful prayer warrior, even after suffering several strokes. Her passion and sense of righteousness moved her to be zealous for the Lord. Many happy memories come from the summers spent at Grandpa Duncanson's cabin at Lake Wenatchee with family, as well as a trip to Disneyland with daughter, Susie; several summers of boating in the San Juan Islands with Bud and Sandi; and fishing and camping with Jim and Sue, Judi and Bill and grandchildren. Spirited and courageous and known for her beautiful smile, Nanny Bette never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren. Bette was preceded in death by her parents; and sister, Dorothy March. She is survived by her husband, Hal of Wenatchee; her children, Sandi (Bud) Boswell of Cashmere, Judi (Bill) Badgley of Kirkland, Jim (Sue) Ayers of Ellensburg and Susie (Bob) Billstein of Milwaukie, OR; and her nine grandchildren, Brad, Brock and Tyler (Maureen) Boswell, Katie (Jason) Boswell, Jim and Mike (Tara) Badgley, Matthew and Tony (Celeste) Ayers and Angie (Matt) Johnson. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, with a ninth expected in February; and one nephew; and two nieces. The family also wishes to thank her wonderful care takers at Aaron Adult Family Home and the Critical Care and Medical/Oncology staff at Central Washington Hospital for their support and caring in Bette's last days. A Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel at the Free Methodist Church on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial donation may do so to Serve Wenatchee Valley, P.O. Box 5543, Wenatchee, WA 98807-5543. Arrangements assisted by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Elizabeth Cora Ayers

July 31, 1923 - October 25, 2010