Elwood O. Ayers1925 - 2013Elwood O. Ayers, 87, a resident of Kenosha, died Tuesday, May 14, 2013, at the Sterling House in Kenosha.Elwood was born on Oct. 4, 1925, to the late Raymond and Ethel (Engelhart) Ayers in Dover Township, Michigan. On Jan. 21, 1944, he enlisted in the USCG Merchant Marines. He was honorably discharged on Aug. 15, 1945. On Aug 6, 1949, he married Ruth Jackson in Angola Indiana. They moved to Kenosha in 1960 from Jasper Michigan. Elwood was employed by Chrysler Corp until he retired in 1982. In his early years he rode motorcycles. Some might remember him as Tom. He enjoyed growing tomatoes and sharing them with wonderful neighbors. Best of all, meeting great friends at Shirls Drive Inn for lunch nearly every day with Larry. He enjoyed their shocker, extra onions and coleslaw. We now envision he and Ruth rumbling across the Big Sky darting in and out of the clouds meeting up with friends, enjoying life as it should have been in their golden years.Elwood is survived by his daughter, Kathryn (Larry) Cooper of Mount Pleasant, Wis.; and stepson, H. Richard (Doreen) Jackson of Phoenix, Ariz. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jennifer (Rob) Reschke of Kenosha, Joshua (Sonya) Cooper of Sturtevant, Tammie Jackson of Phoenix and Ronald Jackson of Phoenix; four great grandchildren Alexandra, Kaylee, Nicholas and Chad and one great great grandchild Noah. He is further survived by stepbrothers Dean (Mary) Whitehead of Virginia Beach VA and Darwin (Sharon) Whitehead of Greensboro NC, sister Fern Parlette of Adrian, Mich., now residing in Phoenix Ariz.; stepsisters, Dawn Morton of Chesapeake Va., Diane (Jerry) Luck of Adrian, Mich. and Delaine Whitehead of Sand Creek Mich.Elwood was preceded in death by his wife Ruth in 1992, parents, stepfather Clyde Whitehead of Jasper, Mich., and stepbrother Don Whitehead.The family is grateful to Dr. Ikram Rashid, Sue and Celia and staff for their patience and care for the past many years. Also to Dr. William Kraklow for his honesty and straight forwardness. Thanks also to Sterling House Assisted Living and Hospice Alliance.As per his wishes, services will be private. Casey Family Options Funerals and CremationsStephen P. Casey, Owner/Funeral Director(262) 554-6533www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com