Mary Ellen Ayars

Mary Ellen Ayars (nee Gunderson ), 90, of Vermilion, died Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at her home in Kingston Residence of Vermilion. Mary Ellen was born in Madison, WI, Aug 21, 1922 and has lived in San Antonio, TX, Clarksville, IN, Dearborn, MI and Wakeman, OH. Vermilion, her last home, was her final residence since 1961. Mary Ellen earned an associate degree from Edgewood College, Madison, WI on the day she was married. As a bride she moved to San Antonio, TX with her husband, Curt Ayars. She was a member of United Church of Christ Congregational in Vermilion since 1961 where she was a member of Marmaru and Abigail Circle. She was a former member of the Chancel Choir for 35 years. In the community she was a former member of College Club, volunteered for Girls Scouts and helped out in the school. She volunteered and enjoyed playing the cello in church wherever she lived. She is survived by her children, Dean (Carol) Ayars of Little Suamico, WI; Patricia (Norris) Hinds of Woodville, OH, Nancy (Marty) Blatt of Pickerington, OH, and William C. Ayars of Bay Village, OH; 10 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Jeanlyn (Al) Samuelson of MN; and a brother, Reverend Charles Gunderson of Northfield, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dean "Curt" Ayars; her parents, Elmer and Inez ( Hermonson) Gunderson; sisters, Sevelle Dorr, Geraldine Vanderhoef, Loraine Carmine and brother, Robert Gunderson. The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 21, 2013 from 2-5 pm at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street Vermilion Ohio. Funeral services will be Monday, July 22, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Riddle Funeral Home. The Reverend Bob Richardson will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion. The family suggests memorial contributions to the United Church of Christ Congregational, 990 State Street, P.O. Box 228, Vermilion, OH 44089 Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.