Theresa Marie (Wintheiser) Ayers was born June 3, 1960, in Redwood Falls, Minn., the daughter of Denis and Rosemary (Stacken) Wintheiser. The family resided in Morgan, Minn., where Theresa attended elementary school. Following a move to Jackson, Theresa attended school in Jackson and graduated from Jackson High School with the class of 1978.

On May 9, 1981, Theresa was united in marriage to Roger Alan Ayers at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Fairmont, Minn. Theresa and Roger worked together to build their home in Fairmont and celebrated the birth of a daughter, Trista.

Theresa worked for many years in the account receivable at Railway Motors and most recently at Fleet and Farm in Fairmont before retiring in June 2025.

Theresa was full of life and radiated love to those around her. Her smile was infectious and she would go out of her way to make those around her happy and smile. The Ayers home was an open door to Trista’s friends. Theresa was there waiting for them with open arms, literally hugs, before sitting and visiting with them about what was going on in their lives.

Family was incredibly important to Theresa, and it was evident in her actions that she loved them more than herself. She cherished movie nights and game nights filled with laughter. Theresa had a warm spot in her heart for animals and had a passion for rescuing cats. Her love for animals was evident in her support of the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center both of Ely, Minn. Theresa found joy in music and especially enjoyed listening to Elvis and had the opportunity to see him twice in concert. Her favorite color was purple and was known for her wonderful taste in jewelry that sparkled as brightly as her personality. Theresa was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and found great peace in her faith.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Roger Ayers of Fairmont, Minn.; daughter, Trista Ayers (Ben Nickolay) of Bloomington, Minn.; mother, Rosemary Wintheiser of Fairmont, Minn.; sister-in-law, Amy Wintheiser of Fairmont, Minn.; nephews, Jacob Wintheiser and Ty Wintheiser; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Theresa was preceded in death by her father, Denis Wintheiser; grandparents, Linus and Colletta Stacken and Wenzel and Clara Wintheiser; brother, James “Jim” Wintheiser; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Otis and Mabel Ayers.

The family requests memorials be made in Theresa’s name to the International Wolf Center 7100 Northland Circle N, Suite 205, Minneapolis, MN 55428.

Special thanks from the family to Lutz Cancer Center, Dr. Amir Yosef, UHD Hospice, and all the support from friends and the community.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]