Antonie "Tonie" Ayres

Antonie “Tonie” Ayres was born on December 26, 1934, in Germany to Jacob Weiss and Elizabeth (Claus) Weiss. She spent her childhood in Germany, where she attended school and was raised by her parents. Tonie met Ralph Leroy Ayres, a United States soldier, and they were married on August 17, 1957, in Nierstein, Germany. Soon after their wedding, they relocated to Texas, where Tonie embraced the military lifestyle for several years. In 1977, the couple moved to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and following Ralph’s retirement in 1979, they chose to settle in the area. Tonie and Ralph enjoyed many years together until his passing on October 30, 1987. Together, Tonie and Ralph raised six children. Tonie devoted most of her working years to being a homemaker, caring for her family. For eight years, she also worked as a cook at Waynesville R-VI Wood Junior High School. Tonie had a passion for cooking and was especially known for her delicious fried chicken. She also enjoyed sewing and had a special talent for making others laugh. Tonie was a past member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Tonie cherished her family deeply and treasured their moments together. Besides her devotion to her family, dancing was one of her greatest joys. She participated in square dancing, clogging, and country western dancing, being an active member of the Twilight Twirlers, Ft. Wood Travelers Square Dance, and Ozark Spirit Cloggers. After her husband’s passing, Tonie found a new dance partner in her longtime friend, Raymond Kidd, and together they shared many years of joyful dancing at various events. On Thursday, October 23, 2025, Tonie passed away at her home near Dixon, Missouri, at the age of 90. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Tonie is survived by her six children: Elfrieda Nelson (Larry) of White City, KS; Michael Ayres (Lori) of Clarkston, WA; Daniel Ayres (Melissa) of Wentzville, MO; Brenda Wood (Billy) of Waynesville, MO; Patricia Terry of Decatur, AL; and Tracey Ayres of Dixon, MO. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kenny Nelson, Jamie Nelson, Jennifer Ayres, Ann Marie Ayres, Amanda Francis (Zach), Jonathan Ayres, Nicholas Ayres, and Christopher Fagan (Bryanna); eight great- grandchildren; her sister, Elfrieda Rochafa of Germany; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Tonie was preceded in death by an infant sister and one great-granddaughter, Anberlin Rose. Though she is no longer with us, Tonie’s love for dance, her laughter, and her unwavering commitment to her family will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Tracey Ayres officiating. The songs "Amazing Grace" and "The Old Rugged Cross" by Carrie Underwood and "I'll Fly Away" by Steven Curtis Chapman was played. Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions in memory of Antonie Ayres may be made and may be left at the funeral home.

Antonie "Tonie" Ayres

December 26, 1934 - October 23, 2025