Martha Ann Ayres, 88, of Madill, Okla., left this life to be with her Lord and Savior on June 8, 2022, at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. She was born on March 20, 1934, in Hugo, Okla. to the late Milton F. 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, N.M., Lebanon Okla., and Madill Okla. for over 30 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.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and three sisters.
She is survived by her children, William Thomas “Bill” Ayres and wife Linda of Madill, Okla., Robert Earl “Bob” Ayres and wife Christene of Madill, Okla., David Ray Ayres and wife Glenda of Madill, Okla.; grandchildren, Brian Ayres and wife Courtney of Durant, Okla., Shanna Crowley and husband Jeremy of Calera, Okla., Kaylee Cochran and husband Joshua of Atoka, Okla., Greg Zacharias and wife Jan of Madill, Okla., Matt Zacharias and wife Meg of Tulsa, Okla., Toni Polster of Madill, Okla., Willie Ayres and wife Jessica of Dickson, Okla.; 16 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; and brother Mike Conley and wife Eunice of Hugo, Okla.
Visitation was held Monday, June 13, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla.
Funeral service were Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. Dalan Larason and Weldon Wright officiated the service. Interment was at the Woodberry-Forest Cemetery in Madill, Okla. Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.
Casket Bearers were Don Ayres, Gary Ayres, Herschel Beard, Richard Bonnet, Lonnie Goff, Dan Little, Brent Smith, and Lynn Windel. Honorary Bearers were the Madill Church of Christ Elders and Deacons.