EARL AYERS obituary

Earl Joseph Ayers, 82, of Billings died Monday, Aug. 18, 2003, at a Billings rest home.

A vigil service was held Tuesday evening at Dahl Chapel. A funeral Mass was scheduled to be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Committal

will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.

He was born on March 22, 1921, to Earl and Anna (Reinholtz) Ayers in Glendive. He graduated from Dawson County High School in Glendive in 1939. Earl sang and acted in the high school plays. He won the statewide competition in clarinet in high school.

On Aug. 24, 1941 he married Bertha Ann Idland in Glendive. He served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific during World War II.

Earl worked as a brakeman for 45 years for Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railways.

He enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved music and the outdoors.

He was a member of the Elks Club, American Legion and St. Pius X Catholic Church.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bertha in 1991 and his brothers, Arthur and James.

Survivors include his children, Marcia (Jim) Miller from Riverton, Wy., Ron (Susan) Ayers of Billings, Peggy (John) Quinlivan of Havre, and Michael (Jacquelyn) Ayers of Billings; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul, 2610 Montana Ave., Billings, MT 59101.