Janice Marie Ayres

She was born April 30, 1933 to Carl and Alice Benson. A lifelong native of Everett, she was born at General Hospital. The third child, she joined Earl, Lois, Roy, and Vern. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Earl Benson, husband Don, grandson Andrew Chamberlain, and great grandson Samuel Kenagy.

Mom attended Lowell Grade School, South Junior High, Everett High School, and after raising her family, she continued her education at Everett Community College where she earned her Associates of Arts degree in Education. An active member of the community throughout her life, she was a long time member of the Everett YMCA, Civic Music, Friendship Club, and Madison Community Church.

She married Don Ayres, her high school sweetheart in August of 1950. He was the love of her life. (They actually met at Lowell Elementary School as second graders). Together, they had five children, John (Jeanette), Don (Shirley), Jennene (Roger), Marvin, and Jennette (Jason). Mom and Dad built their home in south Everett where they raised their family. They were dedicated to their family. Mom was the glue that held us together.

“Blessed” to be her children is an understatement. Mom nurtured her five children, always putting us above herself. Her kitchen was filled with the wonderful aromas of home cooked meals, breads, and desserts. Our Mom epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman. She was a very practical woman who just knew how to take care of our needs. We were loved.

But, then came the grandchildren. Andrew first, followed by Amy, Allison, Candice, Jonathon, Brian, Ashley, Stephanie and Carl. Each the APPLE of her eye. Mom always had a baby on her hip, or both hips. Life was full. Then the next round of babies arrived in her beloved great grandchildren, Samuel, Zachariah, Davanee, Elijah, Lily, Maxwell, Liam, Esther, Kendall, Kaydence, Sawyer, Kolton, and Kegean.

After raising her family, Mom embarked on new goals of education and ultimately spent years serving the community as an educational assistant serving special needs children. Her working years were spent at Madison Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School, with most years spent at Evergreen Middle School. Mom was highly esteemed by her colleagues.

Mom loved her Savior and lived life to glorify Him and serve her family. We loved her dearly. We look forward to that day when we will embrace her again in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, at her request, donations could be made to Providence Hospital Everett Children’s Association in her name.

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