Arden E Ayres

Arden E. Ayres, 101, North Manchester, Indiana, reunited with his wife in the Kingdom of Heaven on July 14, 2021. Born in Wabash County, Indiana on October 3, 1919, Arden was the son of the late Edward and Ruth (Metzger) Ayres.

After graduating from Sidney High School in 1937, Arden began his life as a farmer, which later helped him to provide for his family. He also became involved in the cattle business and was a Pioneer Seed salesman for twenty-five years before retiring in 1997. Before retiring, however, Arden received the International and Indiana Distinguished Achievement Awards in both 2004 and 2005. He also received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award through the Lions Club, where he was a fifty-year member.

On February 24, 1940 Arden’s life changed forever when he married his soulmate and best friend, Mary Elizabeth Badskey. During their seventy-seven years together, Arden and Mary traveled throughout Europe as Ambassadors of the United States for Education on Farming. The most important thing they did together, though, was worship their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and teach their children about the love and compassion He had for the world.  For twenty-five years, Arden taught Sunday School at the First Brethren Church in North Manchester. He also served as a Deacon for the Congregational Christian Church, where he was a member, and then became Deacon Emeritus. His faith, as well as his family’s love and support, helped him through the passing of his wife on October 31, 2017 and the loss of a grandson and great-grandson.

The loving memory of Arden E. Ayres will be forever cherished by his daughter, Becky Sue (David) Long, Yorba Linda, California; sons, Terry (Toni) Ayres, Leesburg, Indiana, David (Sheri) Ayres, South Whitley, Indiana, and Dennis (Annette) Ayres, North Manchester, Indiana; brother, Bill (Clara) Ayres, Tipton, Indiana; grandchildren, Tricia Robinson, Trent Ayres, Brad, Bryan, Brendon, and Brandt Watrous, Denver and Jason Ayres, Hilari Goris, Halie Harris, Ryan and Andy Ayres, Abbie Richards, Erin Long, and Lisa DeSana; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Arden was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ruth Ayres; wife, Mary Elizabeth Ayres; five sisters, Louise, Ruby, Mary, Edna, and Isabel; grandson, Andy Beck; and great-grandson, Chance Beck.

Family and friends may call Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, Indiana. Funeral services will begin on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, Indiana, with calling beginning at 1:00 p.m. Pastors Denver Ayres, Sebrena Cline, and J.P. Freeman will officiate. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery, 600 Beckley Street, North Manchester, Indiana.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Arden E. Ayres, memorial contributions may be made to the Congregational Christian Church, 310 North Walnut Street, North Manchester, Indiana 46962.

The family of Arden E. Ayres has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. 

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