Mary Ellen Ayers

Mary Ellen Ayers (née Clingenpeel), 83, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri, surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy illness.

 Born on April 13, 1941, in Roanoke, Virginia, Mary Ellen dedicated her life to caring for others with compassion and devotion. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering spirit touched all who knew her.

 A service to celebrate Mary Ellen’s life will be held 11:00AM, Saturday February 22, 2025, at Newcomer Funeral Home on Clarkson Road in Chesterfield, Missouri. Friends and relatives are invited to gather that morning at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 am.

 Mary Ellen’s passion for nursing began early. As children, she and her sister would tend to their dolls as if they were injured patients, carefully bandaging them and making them “better.” This childhood play turned into a lifelong calling.

 After graduating from William Fleming High School in Roanoke, she pursued her dream at Virginia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she became a Registered Nurse. She dedicated decades to the healthcare field—first in hospitals, then as a clinical instructor at Guilford Community College. Later, she transitioned into school nursing, serving elementary, middle, and high schools in the Parkway School District before becoming the Coordinating Nurse at Clayton High School. After retiring from school nursing, she co-founded "Safety First Consultants"- where she taught first aid to local area businesses.

 Her tireless commitment to healthcare earned her many accolades, including the prestigious “Pillar of Parkway” award and recognition from the Missouri Nurses Association. She played an active role in several health initiatives, including the Health Task Force, Prevention Partnership, and Catholic Community Services, and volunteered extensively with the Red Cross Blood Bank, where she was awarded the Red Cross-National Nurse Award for her contributions to children’s healthcare programs.

Beyond her professional achievements, Mary Ellen’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (now Pathfinder Church) in Ellisville, she participated in Bible study groups and was deeply involved in the Cancer Companions group, offering support and comfort to many. Mary Ellen was a faithful member of PEO an international, philanthropic organization dedicated to the education of young women. 

 Mary Ellen loved antiquing, traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with friends. Nursing was not just a career but a true calling that defined much of her life. Above all else, she cherished her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend.

 She shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Kenneth Lee Ayers of Chesterfield. She is survived by her loving family:

 • Sister: Judith Clingenpeel of Roanoke

 • Brother-in-law: Doug Ayers of Lynchburg

 • Children: Jason T. Ayers (Michie) of Tokyo and Melissa Ayers of Creve Coeur

 • Grandchildren: Sophie Ayers and Casey Jake Nogami of Osaka

 • Niece: Carla Reynolds (Keith)

 • Nephews: Danny Ayers (Michaelle), Keith Ayers, and Chris Ayers

She was preceded in death by her parents, Omer Frank “Bill” Clingenpeel and Rosa (Vandergrift) Clingenpeel, as well as her niece, Monica Blair.

Mary Ellen embraced life with a warmth and generosity that radiated to everyone she met. Her legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her. As she often reminded others:

“Every butterfly starts off as a caterpillar.” 

To share a memory of Mary Ellen or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.