Mrs. Ruth “Joann” Ayers, age 94 of Claudville, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Joann was born in Kibler Valley on April 8, 1930, to the late William Barnard and Agnes “Cubie” Clement Barnard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Charlie R. Ayers, Jr., one daughter Sandra Ayers Burkhart, one brother Bill Barnard, one sister Inez Epperson, and one niece Ilene Epperson.
Joann met her husband Charlie in Kibler Valley when he was her school bus driver. When Charlie returned from WWII he later told folks that Joann was all grown up as a beautiful young lady who no longer was making mud pies. They married soon after.
Joann was a longtime member of Danube Presbyterian Church where she served as Treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and VBS teacher throughout the years. She loved her church and church family. She especially enjoyed the annual Patrick County Lord’s Acre Sale where she, her dear friend Ethel, and others made and donated crafts, canned and baked goods. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Patrick County Fair and serving as a 4-H Club leader. She loved vegetable gardening and tending to her flower and rose gardens.
Joann was a selfless lady who loved helping others and who truly lived by Acts 20:35 “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. She was a “second Mom” to many. In her later years her greatest joy was her grandsons Wes and Blake.
She is survived by her daughter Rose Ayers of Claudville, daughter and son-in-law Sara Ayers and Nicky Boninfante of Roanoke, two grandchildren Wesley “Wes” Burkhart and Blake Boninfante, one brother-in-law James Ayers and wife Renda, one sister-in-law Mary Ellen Jessup of Claudville, and a niece Janice Epperson Hall of Welcome, NC.
A graveside service of worship and celebration of Joann’s life will be held Sunday, May 12, 2024 at 2:00pm at the Barnard family cemetery in Kibler Valley with Pastor Denny Casey officiating. A family and friends gathering will immediately follow at Danube Presbyterian Church in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcomed to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Good Samaritan Hospice at 4751 Cove Road, Roanoke, VA 24017 or by calling 540-776-0198 or to Danube Presbyterian Church c/o Lynda Chandler at 640 Claudville Hwy, Claudville, VA 24076. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com
