Mattie Ayres

Mattie Iris (Cross) Ayres passed from this life to her heavenly home December 15, 2023.

She was born in Waco, Texas April 21, 1931 to William Benjamin "Ben" Cross and Pollie (Smith) Cross.

Mattie married the love of her life, Lewis T. Ayres on August 27, 1948 in Levelland, Texas. They made their home at Porter in Quay County, NM. Working their ranch and farm until 1954 losing their crops to a flood and moved to Andrews, Texas to work the oilfield. In 1963, they returned to their farm in Quay County where they resided until her husband passed in 1977.

Mattie moved to Hamiln, Texas where she and her sister, Wanda, owned and operated the Longbranch Restaurant. Afterward, she traveled the Western US for several years assisting businesses with start-ups or going out-of-business sales.

She was a natural caregiver of family and friends who were ill or just needed some extra help. She loved to dance to "good ol' country music". She enjoyed an adventurous life whether riding motorcycles or flying in small planes. She lived life to the fullest.

Mattie's family was the most important part of her life. She ensured that they all knew they were loved dearly by her.

Left to cherish her memories are daughter Carol Parish, husband Bob of Hobbs, NM. granddaughters, Keitha Butler, husband Gene of Midland, TX and Kristie Parish of Hobbs, NM, grandson Kevin Parish, wife Krissy of Hobbs, NM, great-grandsons Colton Parish, Justin and Joshua Bulter, sister, Peggy Knutson, husband Steve, sister-in-law, LaDonna Cross and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Ayres, her parents Ben and Pollie Cross, great- grandson John T. Butler, siblings Laura Wilson, Eugene (Ann) Cross, Bea (Jake) Atwood, Virginia Mae Cross, Wanda Smith, Sue (Don) Farris, Hershel Cross, Father & mother-in law: B.F. and Myrtle Mae Ayres, siblings in-law Edward Ayres, Mary Belle (Wylie) Mason, Bertha Mae (Daryl) Welch, Ruby (T.H.) Smith, Doris (Alvin) Gowdy, Margaret (George) Anderson, Herman (Jackie) Ayres, Crystal (Marvin) Terry and Betty (Kenneth) Terry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: John Thomas Butler Memorial Scholarship, 2110 Wellington Ct, Midland, TX 79705 or Shriners Hospital for Children, PO Box 2041, Hobbs, NM 88241 or your favorite charity.

The family would like to thank the kind staff at Goodlife Senior Living & Memory and Enhabit Hospice for the kindness and amazing care they gave to Mattie during her final years of life.