Maxine Leach Ayres, 94, of LaGrange, Georgia, passed away Friday, May 18, 2018, at Opal’s Personal Care Home in LaGrange, Georgia.

Mrs. Ayres was born Sept. 1, 1923, in Scott County, Chaffee, Missouri, to the late Authur C. Leach and Bessie Nall Leach. She married Ridley T. Ayres, Jr. in her late teens. He served with General George Patton in World War II while Maxine worked as a Rosie Riveter in a shell plant in West Point. Maxine was one of the last three charter members of Ayres Memorial United Methodist Church. She was always active in her church and especially the choir.

She retired as a teacher’s aid from Tatum School, Troup County School System.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Martha Clements and her husband, Ridley T. Ayres.

Survivors include her sons, Thomas H. “Tommy” (Laney) Ayres and David (Nita) Ayres; granddaughter, Natalie Bonner; grandsons, Sean (Anna) Ayres and Morgan Ayres; great granddaughter, Megan Ayres; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The gathering of family and friends will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, May 21, 2018, in the chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary with the Rev. Wayne Hester officiating. Burial will follow in Shadowlawn Cemetery.

The family greatly appreciates Opal’s Personal Care Home for their loving and wonderful care of Maxine and respect for her and our family. Affinis Hospice worked closely with Opal’s and our family to provide awesome care and love for Maxine, she was always treated like family. Both Opal’s Personal Care and Affinis will be held with highest appreciation by the Ayres Family.

The family will gather at the home of her son, Tommy Ayres, 4792 West Point Rd. LaGrange, Ga 30240.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.