Mary Lou Ayers, 77, of Black Hawk,  SD passed away Wednesday, January 27th, 2021. She died peacefully in her home surrounded by loved ones after a short battle with cancer.

Mary Lou was born on October 3, 1943 in Winner, SD to Roy and Bernice Davis.  She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic school in O'Neill, NE and went on to attend Southern State Teachers College in Springfield, SD. She then taught country school in Clearfield, SD.

After moving to Valentine, NE in 1963 she met the love of her life, Ken Ayers. They were married on November 21, 1964. They lived in Valentine where they had 3 daughters,  Dana, Dottie and Gina. In 1974 they relocated to Rapid City,  SD where their son Jason was born.

Mary Lou retired from Wells Fargo, and went on to work at Pioneer Bank for several years. She loved spending time with her friends and family, camping, playing cards, bean bag toss, drinking wine and laughing. She had a smile that lit up every room she entered. She had a heart of gold and was truly selfless throughout her life.

She was the center of our world and will be missed dearly.

Survivors include her husband, Ken; daughters: Dana (Gary), Dottie (Dennis), Gina (Rod), all of Rapid City; brother's: Duane Davis, Greenfield  MO; Larry Davis, Rapid City, SD; sisters: Erin Halsey, Spearfish SD; Elaine Rhodes, Rapid City SD; 18 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Bernice Davis; son, Jason Ayers; granddaughter, Jamie Erickson; and grandson, Trevor Whitehead.

We will have a celebration of her life later on when it's safe to have gatherings again.