Ulyss Ralph Ayers, 86, of Sikeston, MO, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at Mercy Rehab and Care Center in Swansea, IL.
He was born on July 18, 1938, in Sikeston, MO, to Thomas W. and Violet L. Ayers (nee Wilburn) who preceded him in death.
On November 29, 1958, at Little Vine General Baptist Church, Matthews, MO, he married Barbara Maylene Johnson, who preceded him in death on June 12, 2020.
He was also preceded in death by one brother, Buford Ayers, and two sisters-in-law, Susan Berry and Beverly (Tom) Oliver.
Survivors include two sons and one daughter-in-law, Ulyss Ralph Ayers Jr. of Burbank, CA and Allen Keith and Julia Elizabeth Ayers (nee Cowell) of O’Fallon, IL; two grandchildren, Lindsay B. (Tyler) Young, Austin A. (Taylor) Ayers; five great grandchildren, Croft Young, Lottie Young, Preslie Young, Kendalyn Ayers, and Sunny Ayers.
Also surviving are two brothers, Eugene (Sharon) Ayers, David (Pam) Ayers; one sister, Melba (Dan) Cannon; two sisters-in-law, Freeda Ayers and Joyce (Dick) Cummins.
Graveside service and burial will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, MO.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; https://stjudes.org. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home.
