Diane Ayers

Diane Elizabeth Ayers, 81, died in Frisco, Texas, July 14, 2020.

Born to Laurence and Vesta Leece on May 20, 1939, in Superior, she lived in Superior, Grand Island and Bloomfield, Neb.; Manhattan, Kan.; and Amarillo, Texas before settling in Frisco, Texas. Trained as a teacher of home economics at Kansas State University, she also worked as a realtor before returning to Kansas State University to obtain a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. She served as clinical director at Family Support Services in Amarillo and directed the clinical training program at Texas Women's University where she trained many therapists. Diane was a member of the Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists.

Over her lifetime, Diane was an educational activist on behalf of gifted children, helped to found and operate several early childhood and afterschool programs, and led the site acquisition and development of the Family Support Services complex in Amarillo, including the establishment of an early childhood center. She counselled countless children, youth and families in both Amarillo and Frisco. An accomplished Bridge player, she played and taught Bridge to many friends over the years, even at her senior complex. Diane also enjoyed traveling Nebraska as a 4H judge at county and state fairs.

Diane was a loving mother and doting grandmother to her four children and ten grandchildren. Late last year, she joyfully welcomed her first great- grandchild, Joshua Paul. Time with her children and grandchildren was her life's purpose. Her education and talent only served to inform a natural gift of loving, understanding and nurturing her own children and many of the other children in the communities where she lived. She encouraged and supported each of us to be more compassionate and understanding parents.

Survivors include her children, Leann Ayers of Philadelphia, Pa.; Derrick and wife, Lynn Young Ayers, of New Richmond, Ohio; Lisa (Ayers) and husband, Matthew Hazen, of Frisco, Texas; and Douglas Ayers of Plano, Texas. Her grandchildren are Dr. Emily (Hazen) and husband, Erick Ramirez, of Austin, Texas; Lilly Hazen of Frisco, Texas; Trevor Austin of Frisco, Texas; Lauren Ayers of Philadelphia, Pa.; Corrine Ayers of Chicago, Ill.; Caleb and wife, Leena Ayers of Frisco, Texas; Natasha Ayers of Philadelphia; Jonathan and wife, Christina Ayers of Columbus, Ohio; Benjamin Ayers and William Ayers of Cincinnati, Ohio. She is also survived by former husband, Dr. Jon Rodney Ayers, and cousin, Dwayne Kleck.

Diane was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta Joan, her parents, Laurence and Vesta Leece and her maternal Aunt Theda and Uncle Ralph Kleck.

A public viewing and private family burial was held in Superior, Saturday, July 18, at Price Funeral Home. An open celebration of Diane's life is planned for later in the year. Memorial contributions are welcome and should be sent to Family Support Services, 7136 I-40 Frontage Road Park West, Building B, Amarillo, Texas 79106.

Condolences, particularly with stories of Diane, are welcomed by: The Ayers Family at 9863 Santa Fe Trail, Frisco, Texas 75033