Martha Bess Ayres

Martha Bess Ayres of White Hall, Ark. passed from this life on April 13, 2012. She was preceded in death in 2012 by her husband of 62 years, Earl H. Ayres. Martha Bess Pahal Ayres, known as Aunt Bess to her nephews and nieces, was born to Myrtle Smith Pahal and Etheridge Pahal on July 12, 1930, in the Berlin community near Hamburg, Ark. Martha P. Ayres was preceded in death by her brothers, Loyd Pahal of Bastrop, La., and Ruffie Pahal of Crossett, Ark., and a sister, Icy Pahal McLemore of Crossett, Ark. Martha Bess Ayres is survived by her daughter, Martha Ann Ayres of Lowell, Ark., and son, Paul H. Ayres of Winston-Salem, N.C., along with his wife, Gwen Ayres and granddaughters, Stacey Ayres of Winston-Salem, N.C. and Shelley Ayres Hooker and husband, Justin of Monterey, Calif. Martha Ayres was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her nephews and nieces had a special love and respect for their Aunt Bess. Martha Ayres was a dedicated volunteer in the White Hall schools during the 1960s and 1970s while daughter, Ann and son, Paul attended White Hall schools. Martha served to help others as she was a Girl Scout troop leader and Cub Scout den mother years ago. Martha Ayres and her husband Earl Ayres worked tirelessly to aid in establishing the White Hall Church of Christ in the early 1980s and both were members there until their death. Martha taught many children as Sunday school teacher at the church. Her positive influence, guidance and quick smile will be remembered by many. She will be greatly missed but leaves behind fond memories. Visitation and funeral services will be held by Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall, Ark. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 15 and a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on April 16. After a brief graveside service at 2 p.m., Martha Bess Ayres will be laid to rest beside her husband, Earl H. Ayres, at the Pinewood Memorial Park cemetery in Crossett, Ark. Gifts or memorials, if desired, may be made to the North Arkansas Children's Shelter.