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Susan Ayres, our loving mom, grandma, gigi and friend left her earthly body on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 77. Susan was born on July 21, 1946, to Daniel and Jean Turbett (Gopel) in Waukon, IA. After marrying the love of her life, William Bill Ayres in 1970, the family relocated to Kansas and they spent most of their lives building a family in Great Bend, Kan.

Susan worked as a traveling CNA and retired from Larned State Hospital in 2011 and spent her retirement years in Garnett, Kan. Susan was known as a mom to many and enjoyed crafting, sewing and spending time with family. She was always the life of any party with her dancing and beverages in hand.

Susan is survived by her children, Gary (Jenny) Ayres of McPherson, Steffanie (Garry) Kirkland of Topeka and Holly Ayres of Salina; her grandchildren, Kylee (Austin) Stout of Hutchinson, Kortney (Ty) Ellis of Pittsburg, Matthew (Haleigh) Kirkland of Osage City, Alexys (William Cody) Johnson of Topeka, Alyssa Hedges of Salina; her two great grandchildren, Brantley and Paisley Ellis that were the greatest joys of her life.

Susan is preceded in death by her husband, William Bill Ayres who left us too soon in November 1998; her parents, Daniel and Jean Turbett, and three siblings, Betty, Danny and Pat precede her.  Susan was the youngest sister of 7 siblings, and the remaining siblings surviviving are: Ramona Moore of Oakdale, Minn., Rhonda Rebik of Clifton, Colo., James (Sally) Turbett of Debuque, Ia., and Bob (Charlotte) of Tucson, Ariz.; and her many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from Noon – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Bryant Funeral Home, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Great Bend Cemetery. Memorials have been designated to Wesley Towers, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.