LODI - Joan Elaine Ayers, “Joanie” or “Mom Ayers” to all who knew her passed away on May 15, 2025. Her beautiful smile would light up the world around her. She devoted her life to her family, friends, church and caring for others.

Joan Moe, daughter of Beulah and Leonard Moe, grew up on her parent’s farm in the beautiful rolling hills of Vermont Township, just outside Black Earth, Wisconsin. An only child, she walked with neighboring friends to the one room schoolhouse they attended for grade school. Joan graduated from Black Earth High School and soon after met and fell in love with Bill Ayers. They lived in Mt. Horeb, Hazel Green and Lodi, Wisconsin, raising 4 children. Joan and Bill loved travelling, snowmobiling, camping and boating, especially when it involved their kids and grandkids.

Joan was a proud Norwegian and famous for her Lefse, an annual holiday tradition for the Ayers family. She particularly treasured a 70th birthday trip with her daughters to Lom, Norway where they saw the Moe family farm. Last May she enjoyed a festive 90th birthday celebration with friends and family.

Joan is survived by her daughters, Debra Ayers (Greg DePrince) and Darlene (Tim) Ryan; grandchildren, Drew (Kristin) Ryan, Jared (Jessica) Ryan, Bryce (Anna) Ryan, Brianna (Dustin) Ziegler, Jessica (Kyle) Lord, Erick (Autumn) Ayers; step-grandchild, Jessica DePrince; great-grandchildren, Brody and Sydney Ryan, Lincoln Ryan, Paisley, Tatum and Everly Ryan, Weston and Lane Ziegler, Addison and Brynn Lord, Cameron and Evelyn Ayers. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Ayers, daughter, Vicki Ayers and son, Gregory Ayers.

Special thanks to Joan’s caregivers at Our House Senior Living and Moments Hospice.

The family suggests memorials to Dekorra Lutheran, Poynette WI or Vermont Lutheran, Black Earth, WI.

Funeral services will be held at DEKORRA LUTHERAN CHURCH, N3099 Smith Road, Poynette, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with Pastor Jaime Benson officiating. The burial will be in Dekorra Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and again on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Joan E. Ayers

February 17, 1934 - May 15, 2025

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