Kathleen “Kathy” Johnson Ayres died on Friday, September 18, at Lutheran Life Villages Pine Valley, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lima, Ohio, on October 6, 1940, to Michael and Kathryn (Sealts) Johnson. Kathy was a 1958 graduate of Central Catholic High School and a 1962 graduate of St. Francis College, where she earned a degree in Elementary Education and later two master’s degrees. She went on to dedicate 30 years to teaching with Fort Wayne Community Schools, serving students at both Nebraska Elementary and Bloomingdale Elementary.

Kathy had a strong and enduring love for her family. One of six children, she considered her siblings and their spouses her first and best friends. She described herself as a lifelong caregiver and teacher, a calling that began early in her life when she cared for her nieces and nephews. She devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising her two daughters, and in retirement, she was grateful for the opportunity to help care for her grandchildren before they began school. Kathy was happiest when she was surrounded by the people she loved.

Kathy also had a deep and abiding faith. Throughout her life, she was an active participant in Bible studies and women’s groups, most recently at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and a source of strength throughout the years.

Kathy’s family is deeply grateful to Lutheran Life Villages and its caring staff, who provided compassionate care for Kathy, beginning with her time at Piper Trail and continuing through her final days at the Pine Valley nursing facility. The family also extends its sincere gratitude to Parkview Hospice for the loving care and support they provided.

Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Kathryn Johnson; her brothers, Michael “Tom” Johnson, Robert “Bob” Johnson, and Brice Johnson; her sister, Joan Megley; sisters-in-law Joan Johnson and Verna Dean Johnson; and nephews Bobby Johnson, Scott Johnson, and Jonathan Wolter.

She is survived by her daughters, Sara Ayres Craig (Mike) and Alison Ayres Birkmeier (Mark); grandchildren Kristina Urberg, Christian Urberg, Paul Birkmeier (Leah), John Birkmeier, Elizabeth Craig, and Alana Craig; her sister, Kandy Wolter (Jim); and her niece, Jan Johnson, who was a faithful visitor and dear friend. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church on Thursday, September 24, at 11:00 AM, with calling one hour prior to the service. Visitation will be held at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, Lake Avenue, on Wednesday, September 23, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with a rosary beginning at 3:30 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Saint Francis and Lutheran Life Villages Employee Appreciation Program.

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