Age 79, passed away on Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at his home. He was born on July 2, 1926 in Ionia the son of Otto and Maya Ayers. Philip worked as Surveyor for the State of Michigan for 32 years and after retirement worked at the Ionia Co. Commission on Aging - Meals on Wheels program. He enjoyed racing boats, hunting and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Mark. Surviving is his wife of 46 years, Colleen; children David (Brenda) Ayers of Fenton, Philip (Sandy) Ayers of Caledonia, Douglas (Vicki) Ayers of Ionia, LuAnn (Douglas) Gould of Orleans, Misty (Bennett) Ayers and Jeff Ayers both of Ionia; 18 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild. A Memorial Service will be conducted by Rev. Melvin Fox, Pastor, Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ionia at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 11, 2006 at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, 220 Rich St. Ionia. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the service. For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Ss. Peter and Paul Educational Trust Fund in memory of Philip O. Ayers. Online condolences may be made at www.schraubenlehman.com