Pattie (Long) Ayers, 59
Pattie (Long) Ayers, 59, of Branson, died peacefully on March 3, 2025, at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital (SLU), surrounded by her family, after a long and courageous battle with Autoimmune Induced Stage 4 Liver Failure, facing it with the same grace and strength that defined her remarkable life.
Pattie was born on July 5, 1965, to Ottie and Mae Long. She spent her early years in Theodosia and attended school at Lutie, eventually graduating from Gainesville High School. With an adventurous spirit and relentless drive, Pattie pursued a variety of careers, excelling in each one. She took great pride in being the first female firefighter for Missouri Conservation Department. She served as a Public Administrator for a number of years in Ozark County, worked as an Enrolled Agent for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and owned multiple tax preparation businesses as a skilled public accountant. Her entrepreneurial passion and dedication were evident in everything she pursued.
On June 5, 1992, Pattie married Todd “TC” Ayers, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and devotion to their greatest pride and joy, their son, Chancey. Family was at the heart of Pattie’s world. They made cherished annual family trips to Florida to visit grandparents, Jack and Riki Pope, spent weekends cheering at local rodeos and enjoyed summer camping adventures that created lasting memories.
Pattie’s unwavering faith in the Lord was the cornerstone of her existence, guiding her every decision and shaping the way she loved others. She was steadfast in her beliefs, never compromising her values, yet always extending grace and compassion. Her infectious smile and laughter lit up any room, her boundless love uplifted those around her and her trust in God inspired all who knew her. From an early age, Pattie felt called to serve others, a calling she embraced wholeheartedly. She welcomed countless adults and children into her heart and home, loving and nurturing them as her own. Through her kindness, generosity, and unshakable faith, she helped mold many into faithful followers of Christ.
Her life was a testament to selflessness and love. Whether offering a warm meal, a listening ear or steadfast encouragement, Pattie made sure that everyone she encountered felt seen, valued and cared for. She was a pillar in her community and an example of what it means to live with a servant’s heart.
Pattie had a few words of wisdom she wrote down called "Pattie’s Thoughts for a Happy Life." First: get comfortable with God. Strive daily to get a relationship with God that you can feel. Secondly: what you give you will get back. If you want more, give more and lastly: if it won't matter in five years, it isn't worth being upset more than five minutes over.
Even in her passing, Pattie’s giving spirit endures. In a final act of selflessness, she chose to donate her body to science so that others may learn from her rare autoimmune condition and find hope for the future. Because of this, no immediate services are planned, but a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Though she is no longer with us, Pattie’s legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Her work here is finished, and she now rests in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).
Pattie is survived by her husband, TC Ayers, of Branson; her son, Chancey and his wife, Rebecca Ayers of Theodosia; and a wide circle of loving family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ottie and Mae Long, and her siblings, Earlene Searcy and Avis Miller.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dugginsville Community Church (in person or mailed to HC 3 Box 3632, Theodosia, MO) or to the Autoimmune Association at www.autoimmune.org.