Mrs. Joyce Merle Addis Ayer

Our dearly loved mom (Joyce) Merle Ayer passed away peacefully on March 1, 2010 in her own apartment at Royal Estates of El Paso. Merle was born September 16, 1921 in Abilene, Texas. Growing up, she lived all over Texas with her father J.T. Addis and 9 brothers and sisters. Merle graduated high school in Wichita Falls. As a young girl, she worked at Montgomery Ward in Corpus Christi and the Popular in downtown El Paso. She moved to El Paso in 1942 with most of her family and met the love of her life (Alfred) Louis Ayer and married June 1948. Merle worked at Phelps Dodge, William Beaumont Hospital medical records and Ft. Bliss Armed Forces recruiting station. In 1955, she began her 32 year career at Physicians and Surgeons Exchange which became Contact Communications where she was the manager. Merle was a long time member of Discover El Paso. Merle was preceded in death by her husband Louis, sister Jewel Bair, brothers Leslie, Dwaine and Bobby Joe Addis, and half sisters Ethel, Vera and Eva. She is survived by her son Steve Ayer and wife Jessie, daughter Brenda George and husband Joe, brothers Tommy Ross and twin (Royce) Burl Addis, grandchildren Monica, Christopher, Rikki, James, Jennifer, Jesse, April, Angie and 15 great-grandchildren. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to her caring and loving caregiver Anita Martinez who had been with her over 5 years and to Royal Estates for a wonderful senior living experience. She will be dearly missed by many close friends and family. Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Western Hills United Methodist Church, 524 Thunderbird Dr. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to in her name to Western Hills UMC Foundation, 524 Thunderbird Dr., El Paso, TX 79912. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, TX 79912, (915)584-1234.