"Vicky I am so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I love your family photos. May these photos keep your memories close to your hearts. Beautiful family. I can see you in your Mom. Hugs from afar and we will be here if you need anything. See you soon. Annette. "
In loving memory of
Sarah Catharine Ayers
September 1, 1934 - February 2, 2021
Sarah Catharine (Buckingham) Ayers, age 86 of Prairie City, passed away on Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Private family funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2021. A visitation will take place on Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at Coburn Funeral Home in Prairie City. The family will be present from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Memorials may be directed to the Food Bank of Iowa and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
Sarah was born on September 1, 1934, in rural Logan County near Sterling, Colorado to Elsie Dean and Irvin Amos Buckingham. She moved back to Iowa to the Buckingham family farm when she was two and was Grandpa William I. Buckingham's buddy. She graduated from Prairie City Community School in 1952.
She was united in marriage to John E. Ayers in April 1956 and they had five children. She was a lifelong member of Prairie City Church of the Brethren, where she was active in the church in Women's Fellowship, a Sunday school teacher, Bible study class, Kitchen/funeral and sale committee, and a life Deacon. She held different jobs throughout her life and retired as a home health aide in Jasper County. Her family was very important to her and her main focus in life. She frequently had Sunday dinners after church where her family gathered around her. She loved her annual "Family Camp" where she went with her family to a campground in Iowa for a weekend to eat and spend time together in nature. She was an avid gardener, reader, and quilter. She also enjoyed listening to music, especially Gospel. She had a good sense of humor and a zest for life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and E. Dean (Webb) Buckingham; her siblings, Edna Keller and her husband, George, Warren Buckingham and his wife Blanche, David Clinton Buckingham and his wife Vesta, WIlliam Buckingham and his wife Nina and Samuel Buckingham and his daughters, Claudia and Barbara and her great grandson, Logan Ayers.
Sarah is survived by her children, Sarah Lea O'Dell (Matt Lehman), Dean (Bev) Ayers, Mark Ayers, Becky (Ron) Johnson, and Vicky (Darwin) Maggard; her sister, Betty Jo Buckingham and several grandchildren, Matthew (Emily) Ayers, Dana (Chance) Cockrell, Julie (Dusty) Little, Tracie (Bryce) Van Wyngarden, Jessica Reha, James Maggard, Isabelle Johnson, Tristan Johnson, Gavin Johnson, Boone Ayers and great grandchildren, Sydnie Martinache, Bo Van Wyngarden, Luke Van Wyngarden, Walker Reha, Emma Reha, Veda Ayers, Dane Ayers, Isaiah Cockrell and Everly Ayers.
Tributes
"Such a loving and giving person, kind and always ready to help anyone. Sarah will be missed by family and friends."
"The Obituary states a good sense of humor and zest for life.....that describes you Dana to a tee!! So very sorry for your family's loss, but may your loving memories help you thru this difficult time. Jerry & Diane Durian"
"Love you aunt Sarah you will be missed ?"
"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of dear Sarah. She was a wonderful person, so full of life and love. Although I always knew her as "Mom's cousin", I didn't really get to know her until I was living back in Iowa taking care of my mother. I remember how much fun we had together when she, Dean, Beverly, Sarah Lea, and Betty Jo came to visit me in North Carolina when Dean was hiking the Appalachian Trail. We had such a good time together. Praying that your special memories of Sarah will help ease your pain and for God to give you peace during this difficult time. "
"We are so sorry for your loss. She was so kind to all of us over the years. Love you all, Leigh "
"So sorry to hear of your Mom?s passing. And I must agree with Pat Pendroy?s tribute. If my memory serves me correct I remember Sarah serving meals to us at the Prairie City Plainsmen Schools. Love ?? and hugs ? to all of you. She was such a fun lady. Lola Tibboel Class of ?76"
"Prayers for your family. What a sweet lady who loved her God and her family. She will be missed."
"So sorry for your family! Sarah was such an amazing person, she was truly there for us when we were kids and still remember the gifts she brought over when she visited with us kids. She had a heart of gold and will be missed by many. "
"Our family has many precious memories of Miss Sarah as we shared our faith at the Prairie City Church of the Brethren. My heart breaks for you all. Praying for comfort during her homegoing. "
"Sarah, so sorry to learn of the loss of your mother! Deb (Clark) Jones PCHS '75"
"Sarah was a special lady. Always kind, always a little mischief in her eyes. So loved by her family!"
"My prayers are with all of you. Sarah was a beautiful lady "