March 3, 1924 - Sept. 15, 2012
Central Oregon native, Shelburn Dale Ayres died September 15, 2012. Dale was born in Prineville, OR, on March 3, 1924, to parents Shelburn and Alice (Blanchard) Ayres and grew up in Powell Butte, where his dad owned and operated the Ayres Grocery Store.
Dale graduated from Redmond Union High School where he played football and track, and was selected to go to Boys State. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in June 1943, and was appointed to flight school in Pensacola, FL. After receiving his wings, he served as a Certified Flight Instructor until December 1945.
On February 23, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Anna Dean Weigand. Dale farmed on the family ranch in Lone Pine until March of 1959. He and his brother-in-law, Bruce Bates, then bought and operated Bates-Ayres, Inc., until December 31, 1999.
Dale served on the Redmond City Council, the Redmond Airport Commission and was the President of the Redmond Rotary Club. He was serving as president of Cougar Springs Retirement Home at the time of his death. Dale and Anna Dean also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, and were very active in the senior center.
Survivors include son, Joe Ayres (Alison) and daughter, Judy Hammack (Gib), both of Redmond; grandchildren, Jeff (Laina) Hammack, and Marci (Dan) Drum, as well as a great-grandson, Landry Drum. He is also survived by brothers, Raymond Ayres and Butch Ayres of Madras, and a sister, Lorraine Popish of Redmond.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, two sisters, Helen Williams and Janie McDonald, and two brothers, Bill and Hobart Ayres.
A memorial service was held at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, September 25, 2012. Contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Please sign our online guestbook www.redmondmemorial.com.
