Dorothy Ayre

Dorothy Ayre was born in 1919 to Louis and Agnes Gagermeier in Glendive. She graduated from high school in 1936. She and her best friend, Betty Schultz, were "twice double-promoted." While working for the telephone company, she attended Dawson Community College the year that college opened. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Ayre. They were parents to 11 children: Robert Jr., Sally, Mary, Bonnie, Jeannie, Mike, Patric, Carol, David, Annie and Lawrence. Lawrence died at age 6; Patric at 4 months. She kept multiplying her love and her nieces and nephews were adored. Unfortunately, Robert died in a boating accident at age 62 and missed seeing his children become wonderful, successful adults.

Dorothy always said joy was a religious responsibility and instilled that in her "kids." Holidays and birthdays were very celebrated. She started each day saying "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us enjoy and be glad."

She worked 22 years at the two hospitals in Billings, and was a ward clerk in the first Intensive Care Unit in Billings. At the same time, she was involved with the Heart Association. Lawrence had been born with a congenital heart defect and had heart surgery at the Mayo Clinic. She was President of the Billings chapter and had a term on the state board.

She was an avid reader and indulged in this pastime especially in her later years. Also, she enjoyed many friends whom she loved and entertained. She held dinner parties, always with a theme. After retirement, she traveled extensively, with trips to France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Mexico, Holland, Ireland and Switzerland. She said: "I hope I lived life well. I tried." Her life was full and she was grateful for it, always thanking the Lord for giving it to her.

She is survived by her children, Bob (Linda) Ayre of Missoula, Sally (Jeff) Miller of Albany, N.Y., Mary (Larry) Burns of Temecula, Calif., Bonnie Ayre of Billings, Jeannie (Mark) Reed of Billings, Mike (Elta) Ayre of Roberts, Carol (Steve) Blank of Billings, David (Char) Ayre of Billings and Annie (Jerry) Wiggs of Columbus. Dorothy was loving grandmother to 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A vigil will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Drive. Private family interment will follow.

Memorials may be made to: RiverStone Hospice House in Billings; the American Heart Association; or Songbird Community Garden Gazebo, 1937 Stony Meadow, Billings, MT 59101. Mom requested that you extend an act of kindness in her honor.