Martha Ann Ayres, 88, of Madill, Oklahoma, left this life to be with her Lord and Savior on June 8th at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. 

She was born on March 20, 1934, in Hugo, Oklahoma to the late Francis Milton Conley and Nora Ridge Conley.  Martha was raised in Hugo and graduated Valedictorian of her class from Goodland High School, of Hugo, in 1951.  She attended Southeastern State University where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1955, and received her Master of Behavioral Studies degree in 1975.

Martha married William Ray “Bill” Ayres on December 21, 1955, in Roswell, New Mexico and he preceded her in death on May 6, 2008. 

She taught school at Roswell, New Mexico, Lebanon Oklahoma, and Madill Oklahoma for over 30 plus years, retiring in 1995.  From a young age, Martha always wanted to be a school teacher. She loved children, and always went above and beyond to give each child her very best. She prayed that when it was time, for God to bring the right man to her, and if she ever had children, to be the best mother, and raise them in the way of the Lord! A story that few know is about how she came to Roswell. In those days, Southeastern was known as a “teacher’s college” and administrators would come to find new teachers. She was hired, and with her father, rode the bus to Roswell. She only stayed a week, and went back to Hugo. She didn’t understand it at the time, but the Holy Spirit was calling her to return, which she did. The first Sunday, after her return, she attended church. Bill was also in attendance, and remarked to a friend, that she was the young lady God had sent for him to marry! They married about three months later! Martha and Bill saw the importance of following God’s direction, and was number one in raising their three sons! Martha’s lifelong focus was to follow God, and to be the best wife, and mother to her children! Martha was an active member of the Madill Church of Christ since 1957, teaching children’s Bible and VBS classes. She was greatly troubled that she was unable to attend services in the last years of her life due to health issues. Although she was unable to attend, she never stopped praying and reading her Bible! Martha believed in a spirit filled life, and relied on, and listened to the direction of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis! Martha was blessed with the gifts of love, and friendship! She never met a stranger. She would always take the time to listen, and pray with them. She was a giver of herself in so many ways! Martha loved her life, and found much joy in serving the Lord, living as a rancher’s wife and raising her three sons! She always enjoyed spending time with Bill, helping with the cattle, and life on the farm with her family! Martha also enjoyed her church family, reading, shopping, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.      

Honorary Bearers:      Madill Church of Christ Elders and Deacons 
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Obit for William
Aug 11, 1927 - May 6, 2008

© Watts Funeral Home
(permission granted)

William Ray "Bill" Ayres, 80 of Madill passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at the Integris Baptist Hospital in Oklahoma City.

He was born in Madill to the late Earl E. Ayres and Sylvia Gertrude Baker Ayres on August 11, 1927. Bill grew up in Madill where he started first grade and graduated Madill High School in 1945. While in High School their football team won 9 games and lost one to Ardmore High school and was selected all-state quarterback. In the summer of 1945 he attended OSU and in the fall of 1946 he attended Murray State for 1 1/2 years. He joined the Naval Reserve and was called to active duty in 1946. He went to San Diego, but was honorably discharged after 22 days due to a heart murmur. In 1951 he attended the Abilene Christian College and received a degree in History and Physical Education. While a senior at ACU he played quarterback, defensive back and their football team won 11 games and lost none. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. He attended SOSU after he married Martha Ann Conley on December 21, 1955 in Roswell, New Mexico. Bill taught history and coached football at Llano, Texas for 1 year in 1951, 6 years in Roswell, New Mexico and won state Championship in 1953 and 1955. He coached and taught at Madill from 1959 to 1961. He was a long time member of the Church of Christ in Madill and served as an elder from 1989 to July 2001. Bill also served on the Board of Directors at Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp from 1989 to 1997, Marshall County Rural Water Corporation from 1968 to 1986. He and his brother Don implemented the rural water in Marshall County. Bill's favorite pastime from an early age was the game of football. From the playgrounds to high school and on to college his love for the game was well known. Even though he loved football, his generosity, Kindheartedness, love for the Lord, his wife and family will be what Bill will be most remembered for.

He is survived by: Wife: Martha Ann Ayres, Madill, Oklahoma Sons: William Thomas "Bill" Ayres and wife; Linda, Madill, Oklahoma Robert Earl "Bob" Ayres and wife; Christene, Madill, Oklahoma David Ray Ayres and wife; Glenda, Madill, Oklahoma 7 Grandchildren 9 Great Grandchildren Sister: Lucille Murray, Madill, Oklahoma

Bill was preceded in death by parents, 3 brothers; Ernest, James and Donald Ayres, 3 sisters; Clemma Little, Veda Kennon and Evelyn Arnold.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 8, 2008 at the Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Family hour will be from 6pm to 7pm.

Memorial may be made to the Pettijohn Springs Christian Camp Po Box 440, Madill, Oklahoma