Matthew D. Ayers

Matthew “Mat” Dean Ayers, 40, of McPherson, KS, passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center, Hutchinson, KS. 

He was born on March 4, 1983, in Pella, IA, the son of Dean Edward and Beverly Sue (Rouw) Ayers.  He graduated from Twin Cedars High School (Bussey, IA) in 2002 and from McPherson College in 2007.  He continued his education at Bethany Seminary in Richmond, IN.  On June 6, 2009, Mat was united in marriage to Emily Elizabeth Flora in Quinter, KS.  This union was blessed with four children, Veda, Dane, Everly, and Logan.

Mat was a light inspection trainer at Pfizer and worked part-time at Three Rings Brewery, both in McPherson.

A loving father, Mat enjoyed spending his time with the kids; playing Minecraft, watching movies, camping, and having adventures of all types. He loved spending his time with friends and family, and was always willing to sit down, perhaps with a drink and enjoy life. Whether it was faith, travel, homesteading, renovating, or life’s troubles or joys, Mat was always ready to listen, discuss, and plan the next adventure that life had in store.

Mat was a member of the McPherson Church of the Brethren.

Survivors include: his loving wife, Emily, and three children, Veda, Dane, and Everly, all of the home; parents, Dean and Beverly Ayers of Knoxville, IA; sister Dana Cockrell (Chance) of Bussey, IA; grandfathers, John Ayers of Apache Junction, AZ and Marvin Rouw of Pella, IA; father-in-law, Sam Flora (Melinda Howard) of Quinter, KS; brothers & sisters-in-law, Tyler Flora (Whitney) of Richmond, TX, Ryan Flora (Natasha) of Quinter, KS, Abbie Flora of Quinter, KS; Kadyn Fuller (Alana) of Park, KS and Colton Fuller of Minneapolis, KS; nieces & nephews, Isaiah Cockrell, Jacob & Anna Flora, Hadley & Megan Flora, and Brooklyn Fuller; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family & friends.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Logan Dean Ayers; mother-in-law, Janelle Huber; stepmother-in-law, Glenda Flora; brother-in-law, Ethan Flora; and grandmothers, Sarah Ayers and Bonnie Rouw.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, May 22, 2023, at the McPherson Church of the Brethren.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link:  https://youtube.com/live/FixOYFFL2Yg?feature=share

Memorial donations may be payable to Emily Ayers (for the benefit of the children’s education fund) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.