Michael Orin Ayers

Born in Seminole, Oklahoma, on February 20, 1942, to Elza Edgar and Beatrice Genevieve (Brohard) Ayers, Michael led a life marked by intellect, compassion, and commitment to service. He married his high school sweetheart, Sylvia Sue Boone, in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1960. Together, they were blessed with three children — Shayne, Michael Thomas, and Sherri — before life eventually took them in different directions.

On October 14, 1983, Michael married Ruth Ann Stickel (formerly Ragel) in Waynesville, North Carolina. Michael and Ruth Ann shared a deep, enduring bond, and their more than forty years together were filled with love, laughter, family, travel, and close friendships. He loved Ruth Ann’s son, Adam Ragel, as if he were his own, and together, Michael and Ruth Ann welcomed two daughters, Sarah and Claire.

Michael's pursuit of knowledge and meaningful work guided his every step. After graduating from Wichita Falls Senior High School, he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Midwestern State University and went on to complete both his Master’s and Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Oklahoma.

His career spanned academia, public service, and private enterprise. From 1971 to 2000, Michael played a key role in shaping what would become the University of Illinois Springfield (formerly Sangamon State University). During his tenure, he held various faculty and leadership roles, including Professor of Economics, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Organization and Management, and ultimately Professor Emeritus.

After retiring from the university, Michael became Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, where his steady, servant leadership helped shape statewide economic and workforce policy.

His dedication to public service extended well beyond the classroom and boardroom. Michael proudly served in the Texas National Guard where he was mobilized during the Berlin Wall crisis from 1961 to 1962. His unit was deployed to Fort Polk, Louisiana. Following the events of 9/11, Michael deepened his lifelong support for America’s service members through the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), serving as Illinois Committee Chair, National Outreach Committee Member, National Executive Advisory Committee Member, and Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for Illinois South. He also founded and chaired Friends of the Guard and Reserve, an Illinois nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the bond between military members and their communities.

Michael made a profound impact on his local community, devoting countless hours to mentoring at-risk youth through programs like the Hope School Foundation and the National Guard’s Lincoln’s Challenge Academy. His compassion, generosity, and belief in others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

A passionate learner and lover of the arts, Michael found great joy in travel, conversation, cooking, and storytelling. He cherished time with Ruth Ann, their family, and close friends. He will be remembered for his warmth, humor, keen intellect, generous hospitality, and unwavering commitment to living with purpose and gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elza Edgar and Beatrice Genevieve Ayers; his brother, Ronald Elza Ayers; and his beloved son, Michael Thomas Ayers, who also lived with Parkinson’s disease and passed away just twelve hours before Michael.

Michael is survived by his brother, Jeff Ayers (Carol); wife, Ruth Ann Ayers; daughters, Mary Shayne Squires (Mike), Sherri Layne Hiatt (Tom), Sarah Beth Ayers-Eck (Jon), and Claire Nicole Ayers (partner Chris Fuiten); and a son, Adam Ragel.

Eleven grandchildren also survive Michael, Tori Osterhout (Cal), Amber Bloomberg (Scott), Stephanie Hartley (Zach), Trevor Michael Squires, Nikolaus John Stepniewski, Esme Anna Eck, Carter Matthew Frisch, Nathaniel Orin Eck, Rachel Nicole Ayers, Julia Claire Ayers, and Annelise Cate Ayers; two great-grandchildren, Lyla and Margot Bloomberg; along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

Michael is also survived by dear friends of the Sandia Pueblo, with whom he shared a deep and enduring connection.

Michael’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched — as a leader, teacher, mentor, colleague, husband, father, and friend. He is deeply missed and will be remembered by all who love him.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Memorial Gathering and Memorial Service: Family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, until the time of the Service at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael’s honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org.