RALPH EUGENE AYRES, 70,

of Walloon Lake, Mich. and Green Valley, and formerly of Midland, Mich., died suddenly on Nov. 23, 2008, while playing golf on a beautiful sunny day.

He is survived by Sally, his wife of 46 years; his sons Mark of Boulder, Colo. and Steven (Margaret) of Novi, Mich.; his daughter Jennifer of Denver, Colo.; and his two granddaughters Kaylie and Maya Ayres.

Ralph grew up in Nickerson, Kan., and moved to Midland after getting a degree in chemical engineering from Kansas State University. He met his beloved wife in the Plastic Production Laboratory at Dow Chemical. He was a devoted father, always keeping score for his sons’ hockey games and coaching his daughter’s soccer team.

Upon retiring, Ralph converted his cottage on Walloon Lake into a full-time residence. He spent many hours becoming a skilled craftsman while enjoying the sparkling blue green waters of his beloved Walloon Lake.

It would be difficult to find a more considerate, more honest, kinder and caring man. His passing leaves a huge whole in the hearts of his family.

Ralph has been cremated and a celebration of his life will be held in the future. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a donation to the Arthritis Foundation at the Ralph Ayres Hope Through Heroes memorial page at www.arthritis.org