Merry Jean Gardner (Ayers), aged 80, passed away on October 13, 2024, in Spokane, WA. Born on October 4, 1944, Merry Jean led a life marked by devotion to her family and community.
Merry was born in Kamiah Idaho, which was about 10 miles from Kooskia Idaho where she and her family lived in a 1 room cabin on the Clearwater river with no running water and no electricity. To get anywhere they had to row a boat across the river. The family moved to Finley in 1952 where her dad bought 5 acres and moved a house onto the property and began expanding it to make room for the large family that could no longer be contained in that 1 room cabin on the Clearwater river. She attended school in Kennewick and graduated from Kennewick High School In 1962. The week after graduating she boarded a bus to California. She left home with $50 and a phone number for her aunt and uncle in her pocket, whom she called when she arrived in Burbank. She found work and friends there and settled into her new life in California. On a bus trip home for Christmas that year she met her future husband and they started writing to each other and eventually married in Spokane in May of 1965. They returned to San Diego California and began their family with Diane coming first and Kathie 4 years later. In 1976 they returned to Washington moving first to Spokane, and then to Deer Park, Castle Rock, Kelso and Vancouver. Along with every new place they moved she picked up lifelong friends. With her husband often commenting that she's never met a stranger it was easy for her to make friends. In Castle Rock she embarked on a meaningful career with her husband co-owning and operating the Timberland Inn and Suites in Castle Rock, Washington, from 1987 to 2002. Her commitment to her community extended into public service, where she served as a city council member in Castle Rock, contributing significantly to the town's development.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Merry Jean is survived by her husband, Phil; daughters, Diane Hohenstein (Doug) and Kathie Daniels (Phil); grandchildren, Steven Hohenstein, Samantha Pace (Nick), Ashley Hohenstein, and Alex Daniels; and great-granddaughter, Charlie Pace, sisters Clara Scott (Ensil), Barbara Jansta (Steve), brothers Robert Ayers (Mary) and James Ayers (Mary) numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Etheta (Remington) and George Ayers, and her siblings, Janet and George Ayers Jr.
Family was central to Merry's life. She cherished cooking, hosting gatherings, and engaging in family game nights, with trivia games being a favorite. She also enjoyed traveling, experiencing new cultures, trying their food, and meeting new people. She and Phil traveled extensively after their retirement. Also an avid golfer, Merry not only played frequently but also served as the ladies' club president in Kelso, WA, taking great joy in playing golf with her grandson Alex and witnessing his progress in the sport.
Merry's life was a testament to her loving nature and her dedication to her family and community. Her legacy of warmth and caring will be remembered by all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Services to be held at Fairmount Memorial Park Sunset Chapel on 11/1 at 11 am luncheon to follow. Internment in a private ceremony on 10/31.
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