Laura June (Wilson) Ayres

Laura June (Wilson) Ayres, 88, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away on April 3, 2023, in the comfort of her home. Born on February 13, 1935, in Palestine, IL, Laura June devoted nearly nine decades to her home, her family, and her God. She began her educational journey at Frog Pond, a one-room schoolhouse, before attending Palestine Grade School (5th and 6th Grades) and Flat Rock Grade School (7th and 8th Grades). After spending her freshman year at Flat Rock High School, she transferred to Robinson High School, where she graduated in 1952. On September 19th of that year, she married Alan Luther Ayres. Laura June and Alan's love story spanned more than seven decades, and together, they raised a family on their small farm, surrounded by the simple beauty of their rural Illinois home.

Laura June embraced every aspect of life as a full-time homemaker, creating a nurturing environment for their children, Danny and Brenda. When they were younger, the Ayres family embarked on numerous summer vacations, adventures leading them through many states and parks, making memories that would fill countless photo albums and sights that would fill their minds with wonder as they took in the tapestry of God's creation. An artist herself, Laura June found solace and inspiration in transforming the images of nature into sketches and drawings for her family. Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren inherited her creative gift and continue to honor her memory through their own artwork. Laura June was also an avid reader, diving into books on religion and poring over the Bible with a passion that inspired all who met her.

Her deep well of Biblical knowledge served her well as a Sunday school teacher at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church, where she was a longtime and active member. Here, she was faithful in the big things, like volunteering for Vacation Bible School, but she was also faithful in the seemingly small (but eternally important) thing of intercessory prayer. Known to many as a "prayer warrior," Laura June took everything to her Lord and never hesitated to lean on her faith when times got tough. Her unwavering trust in her Heavenly Father will remain for us a beacon of light, illuminating and encouraging us to carry on her legacy with that same faith, hope, and love that saturated her life, a life that, by the grace of God, will never end!

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Alan Ayres (Flat Rock, IL); her son & daughter-in-law, Danny & Brenda Ayres (Terre Haute, IN); her daughter & son-in-law, Brenda & Daniel McCoy (Palestine, IL); her grandchildren & their spouses, Brandie & Les Hamm (West Terre Haute, IN), Steven & Danyelle Ayres (Flat Rock, IL), and Megan & Sean Whelan (Belleville, IL); her six great-grandchildren, Leah Hamm, Isaac Ayres, Logan Hamm, Allison Ayres, Adelaide Whelan, and Elodie Whelan; her sister, Mary Mumaw (Conroe, TX); her brother & sister-in-law, David & Ester Wilson (Dallas, TX); as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Nellie (Hutchinson) Wilson; her brother, Nile Dean Wilson (in infancy); her brother & sister-in-law, William & Nora Wilson; her brother-in-law, Keith Mumaw; and her nephews, Rick Wilson and Chris Mumaw.

A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8th, at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, with Pastor Nathan Jeffries officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either the "Flat Rock United Methodist Church" or to the "St. Jude Children's Research Hospital". Memorial envelopes will be available at the church. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.