Harley L. Ayris

( September 11, 1936 - February 19, 2010 )

Harley Ayris, 73, of Beaverton and formerly of Remus, passed away Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland.

Harley was born Sept. 11, 1936, in Mt. Pleasant, the son of Chester and Nellie (Heiden) Ayris. A graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School in 1955, Harley married the late Shirley Recker on Sept. 21, 1957 which produced four children. He later married Sandra Smith on July 20, 1996 and together they had two children.

He retired from Dow Chemical in 1992 after 35 years working as a boiler maker and welder. He was past president of the Isabella County Fair Board and was active in 4-H. He loved hunting and fishing.

Harley is survived by his wife of 13 years, Sandy Ayris; six children, Mike (Jackie) Ayris of Shepherd, Kathy (Dean) Tilmann of Weidman, John (Sue) Ayris of Blanchard, Greg Ayris and his friend Vicky Jackson of Remus, and Aaron Ayris and Matthew Ayris, both of Beaverton; four step-children, Lisa (Jim) VanBuskirk of Coleman, Kim (Jim) Thomas of Swartz Creek, Rebecca (Morris) Brooks of Gladwin, and Mark (Jessica) Snooks of Beaverton; 18 grandchildren; four siblings, Ivan (Ruth) Ayris and Evelyn VanOrden, both of Mt. Pleasant, Allen (Catherine) Ayris of Lakeland, FL, and Sarah Ayris of Mt. Pleasant; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Shirley in 1990.

His funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., Mt. Pleasant, with Pastor Harold Owens officiating. Burial will be in Broomfield Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund, 4005 Orchard Dr., Midland MI 48670. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.