Tima Ayala

At 101 years old Tima Ayala lived a full life enriched by 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She passed away peacefully in her home in Gardena California in the presence of family and loved ones.

Born in the town of Bernalillo near Albuquerque, New Mexico she moved to Los Angeles with her family at the age of 7. She married her beloved husband John Ayala April 11, 1933. John passed away on the exact same day in 2007, 7 years before her. Their daughter Marylou, preceded them in death.

Tima was a devout Catholic, an active member of St. Anthony's Church. She was also a member of the Old Timer's Club in Gardena. She was a very social person and loved to host and attend events in her community, especially weekend poker games at her home.

Her home was a special place for family as well. Most holidays and family events culminated at Tima's home with some of her special cooking. The family loved her banana nut bread and the 21 or so pumpkin pies she would bake and hand out at Thanksgiving.

Tima loved to take long Sunday drives. She especially loved traveling each summer to her birth home in Albuquerque New Mexico to visit family and friends there. She would come home with sacks full of New Mexico green chile for her and Dad to enjoy all year long. A favorite memory of her family is the aroma of green chile roasting in their Gardena home.

Tima was blessed with a long, loving life and exceptionally good heath - she never even had a headache. She will be missed and cherished by all who knew her.