Josie Rebecca Ayers

Josie Rebecca Ayers was born March 25, 1948 in Ruidoso, New Mexico to Bonifacia Hernandez Trujillo and John B. Trujillo. She was the fifth of seven children and had many happy memories growing up with her siblings and cousins and large extended family in Alamogordo, NM. She passed away suddenly on May 16, 2019 at Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.

Josie attended Father John B. Hayes Catholic elementary school in Alamogordo and high school in both Hollister, CA and Alamogordo. On August 2, 1968, she met the love ofher life, John Ayers, who was stationed at Holloman, Air Force Base, NM. They were married on December 26, 1968 and enjoyed 49 years as husband and wife, and best friends. They raised their two daughters in Ridgecrest and attended countless activities with their grandchildren.

Josie was employed at Contel for 20 years and then started a second career as a Kindergarten Aide at St. Ann Catholic School for 12 years, before being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in January 2008. Her positive outlook, faith and strong will helped her overcome cancer in October 2008. She was a fighter and a survivor, and lived life to the fullest. She was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church for many years. As a member of Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church she was a member of the Altar Society, and devoted countless hours to cleaning and maintaining the church, as well as cooking at all church events. She attended daily Mass, led the rosary and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Josie had a great sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. She will be remembered as a faithful woman of God, a prayer warrior, a loving and caring wife, mother, Grandma, Nana, sister, aunt and friend to many.  The two most important things in her life were faith and family.

Josie is survived by her husband John Ayers, daughters Antonette Ayers (Dennis Adams) and Angela Ayers (Lance Miller); Grandchildren Christopher Krammer (Gary Castro), Michael Krammer (Nayely), Jay Gifford, Nicole Elroy (James); Great-Grandchildren Cecelia Krammer, Rylee Gifford, Michael Krammer and Connor Elroy; Siblings John Trujillo, Elias Trujillo, Teresa Montion (Louie), Dolores Madrid and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Alfred and Michael Trujillo, brother-in-law Tony Madrid and grandson Nikolaus Krammer.