11/08/2026
Patricia McCroan Ayers, 83, of Altha, Florida, passed away November 6, 2026. Born August 3, 1943, Pat was a lifelong resident of Altha, proud of her hometown, devoted to her family, faithful to her church, and grateful for the life she lived. She was quick to tell anyone who asked that she had a wonderful life, and those who knew and loved her would certainly agree.
Pat was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gene Ayers; her parents, Leonard and Georgia Belle McCroan; her brothers, J.L. and Dodge McCroan; and her sister-in-law, Kathryne McCroan.
She leaves behind two daughters, Sara Kay Waldorff (Jim) and Joy Ree Ashmore (Steve); three grandchildren, Jordan Hill (Clint), Hannah Garner (Brent), and Chelsea Barac (Dragan); and four great-grandchildren, Perry Hill, Georgia Garner, Bella and Mila Barac. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Clara McCroan, and several nieces and nephews.
Pat was a faithful member of Altha United Methodist Church, where she served for many years as chairman of the Worship Committee and prepared the church bulletin. One of her favorite ways to serve was mowing the church grounds. There was hardly anywhere she was happier than atop her beloved zero-turn mower, keeping the grounds looking their best. Her faith was reflected not only in her church service but also in her quiet generosity and willingness to help others.
A hard worker throughout her life, Pat held many jobs, including grocery store clerk, sheriff's office secretary, bookkeeper, and postal carrier, delivering both walking and rural routes. She retired in 2000 after serving as the full-time Altha postmaster. She believed in staying busy, working hard, and getting things done.
Pat loved people and never met a stranger. She enjoyed visiting with friends, striking up conversations, and sharing her quick wit and sense of humor. She and Gene loved traveling together, especially RVing and stopping at flea markets along the way. She also loved shopping and finding a bargain, with Goodwill being a favorite destination. Whether shopping in person or online, she rarely passed up a good deal!
Resourceful like her parents, Pat had a knack for finding clever solutions to everyday problems. She also had her own unmistakable style, with animal prints appearing everywhere from her clothing and blankets to her fingernails. She had a wonderful way of making people laugh and finding humor in everyday situations.
Above all, Pat lived a full and wonderful life. She worked hard, loved deeply, served faithfully, and found joy in both life's adventures and everyday moments. Her generosity, resourcefulness, lively personality, and quick wit made her uniquely Pat. While she will be deeply missed, her family and friends can find comfort in the many memories she leaves behind and in knowing how much she loved the life she lived. If there is one thing Pat would want everyone to remember, it is that she truly did have a wonderful life.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Emerald Coast Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Pat and her family.
Funeral services will be held at Altha United Methodist Church on Monday, November 9th at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, with Peavy Funeral Home directing.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Pat's memory may make a contribution to her beloved church:
Altha United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 456
Altha, FL 32421