Ronald R. Ayers Sr., 76, of Arnold died Dec. 9, 2024, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis County. Mr. Ayers worked as a laborer for the Bottlers Union at 7-Up. He loved spending time with his family. Born May 24, 1948, in Cairo, Ill., he was the son of the late Arthur and Annie (Taylor) Ayers.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Phyllis (Copeland) Ayers.
He is survived by two children: Ron R. (Earlene) Ayers Jr. of Union and Katina L. (Frank Ledferd) Ayers of Imperial; five grandchildren: Ryan Ayers, Karissa (Carl) McCollum, Julia (Hunter) Hogan, Maxx Ledferd and Austin Wayne; three great-grandchildren: Jameson McCollum, Lincoln McCollum and Levi Hogan; a sister: Geneva (the late Norman) Marler of Ironton; and many other family members and friends.
He also was preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.
A memorial gathering is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.