Robert L. ‘Bob’ Ayers

Robert L. ‘Bob’ Ayers, beloved husband, son, father, brother, and uncle peacefully passed away January 24, 2014 at the Cardio-Vascular Center at the University of Michigan, with his devoted wife and family at his side.  

He married the love of his life and best friend, Rosemarie E. Ayers, on September 8, 1984, and celebrated 29 years of marriage. His most treasured possessions were his family and friends.  Bob is survived by his wife, Rosemarie, his parents Nettie and Howard Lott, brother-in-law Charles ‘Chuck’ L. (Terri) Erskine of Hemlock and his family Lisa, Arika, Malarry, Blake, Megan, and Hunter, sister-in-law Pat (Huey) Lake of St. Charles and her family Bret & Jill, Justin & Ryan; Chad & Leena, Jourdan, Nick & Hayden; Pam & Steve, Tyler & Clarie; and Nick, special friends, called the brothers; Jerry (Carol) Freed, Roger (Connie) Oberlitner, Dale (Bev) Sherman, Tom (Virginia) Strong, Fred (Kay) Clark, Jerry Moomey, and the late George Bupp, his constant feline companion George and the big fellow Bobcat, and many other friends and family.

 Preceding him in death were his daughter, Sherry, his brother, Leroy, his devoted grandmother Lillie Vallance, his biological father Carl Lavern Ayers and his in-laws, Max and Nellie Erskine. 

Mr. Ayers was born February 16, 1944 in Washington Township in Pompeii, Gratiot County, Michigan to Lunetta ‘Nettie’ (Jolly) Lott of Pompeii and the late Carl ‘Vern’ Ayers. He graduated from Ithaca High School in 1962. 

Bob was revered for his integrity, kindness, humor and his love for others. His courageous spirit has left a legacy for them all. He was devoted to his family, friends, and employees. He rarely went to town without meeting an acquaintance and catching up on their life.

Bob spent his entire life as a resident of Gratiot County. After high school he attended Detroit Barber College with his life-long friend Jerry. He worked as a barber for a few years, owning a barber shop in Pompeii, before becoming an entrepreneur. He owned a spray urethane foam insulation business. He then established the first residential trash removal service in Gratiot County, owning and operating Gratiot Trash Pick-Up Service for 25 years, which he sold in 1990. In 1985 he and his wife, Rosemarie opened the first limousine service in the area, owning and operating Dreamkeepers Limousine Service, Inc. for 28 years closing it October 31, 2013 due to his health. He was an avid musician playing with many bands through the years, “The Ravens,” “The Over-the-Hill Gang,” and many others. He was a member of the Elks, the Moose, the Chamber of Commerce, and the National Limousine Association, winning the coveted award as Limousine Operator of the Year in 1996.

To balance his give-it-all work ethic he enjoyed relaxing in Las Vegas with the ‘Vegas Gang’, and cooking, he was an excellent cook, with always the disclaimer “If you don’t like it throw it on the floor.” 

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and golfing with his dad and best friend Howard. He believed in giving back to the community. He provided limousine service to the Highland Festival, the senior centers, the youth fairs, and to just about anyone who asked. He also provided service as fund raisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Make-A-Wish and other charitable organizations. He was always enjoyed attending activities for his daughter, as well as his nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Charlie and Susan Mueller of Saginaw, Dr. Scott Hummel, Dr. Kim Eagle, Dr. Matt Romano and the staff at the University of Michigan Cardio-Vascular Center, for prolonging his life and giving us 3 more years with him.  

Funeral service will be Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 1:00 PM at the Barden Funeral Chapel, 225 E. Center St., Ithaca, Michigan. Jo Jones will officiate with burial in Ithaca Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to UM Heart Txp SW Gift Fund. Send to Department of Social Work; D2202 Medical Professional Bldg., 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., SPC 5718, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5718

Comments

[Richard Havelka]

Bob was a good friend and surely will be missed by both his family and friends. I fondly remember playing JV football with him at IHS and he will always hold a place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and his family. Richard Havelka

[Penny Fraalw]

Bob was a great boss. I enjoyed working for the company for many years. I learned a lot from Bob. You are going to be sadly missed. Your Penny Pooh

[Deb Cushman]

Over the last 9 years I've had the pleasure to work next to Bob as his office manager. Over the years our work relationship turned into more like a family one. Bob and Rosemarie both have watched my girls grow up and have always given wonderful advice on how to be a better parent. I have learned so much from him in business, politics and just how to be a better person! My heart goes out to Rosemarie and the whole family for what a great loss this earth has endured! Bob was one of a kind and will be truly missed!

[LORI OTTER]

Dear Rosemarie, I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was a great man and will be missed by a lot of people.
Love Lori Otter

[Leon & Vielka Kappler]

Dear Netti, Howard and Rosemarie is so sad to have lost Bob and not be there with you. There is no word to express our sadness, he'll be in our memory always. Love Butch and Vicky Kappler

[Sue Redifer]

Rosemarie and all, so sorry for your loss. May peace be with you and memories comfort you.
Sue Redifer

[Jan Naumes]

Rosemarie, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bob. He was a great person and I know he will be missed by many!
Jan from Doctors office

[Judy "Goetz" Beatty]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I went to high school with Bob and thought very highly of him. I'm sorry I've lost track over the years, but remember him well and pray that your hearts will find great peace in this time of sorrow.

[Brian and Sharon Wisniewski]

Rosemarie: We are so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Our thoughts are with you, even if we can't be there in person. May all the best memories of your time with Bob bring you comfort. With love, Brian and Sharon Wisniewski

[Greg Neumann]

May the comfort of peace be with all his family and employees .

[Michele Spitz Wietfeldt]

Rose,
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I have such fond memories of both of you! Bob was such a fun and talented musician to work with! I'm so honored to have been able to sing with him so many years ago! Prayers to you and your family!

[LAURA WOLFE]

NETTIE & HOWARD... so very sorry to hear of Bobs passing.. wasnt sure I heard the name correct when I first heard.. sure will miss him coming in to get a pizza... love & prayers to all... Laura....{www}

[Annette Pepper]

Rosemarie I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Sherry loved and respected her dad so much. I will always fondly remember the fun we had for Sherry's 21st birthday. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Annette Butler-Pepper

[A. Mixon]

I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Robert. I hope that a passage at Revelation 21:4 brings comfort to the family during this time of sorrow. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers as they get through this difficult time.