Patricia A. Ayers, 78, of High Falls

HIGH FALLS >> Patricia A. Ayers, 78, of High Falls, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at HealthAlliance Hospital, Broadway Campus, in Kingston. She was born in Kingston on March 29, 1940, a daughter of the late Carl Henry Rask and Rotha Wilson Rask. In 1942, her parents relocated from Rosendale to Bridgeport, Conn., where she grew up.

In later years, she recalled events of life in an industrial city during World War II, leaving indelible memories in her young mind of constant air raids, B-29 bombers flying overhead nightly, searchlights crisscrossing the night sky, along with rationing and difficulty getting food.

Patricia graduated from Bassick High School in 1958 and graduated with a BS degree in 1962 from Central Connecticut State University. She attended graduate school at the University of Bridgeport while teaching elementary school in Fairfield, Conn.

Upon her marriage to Barry H. Ayers in 1964, she returned to the area, living in High Falls. She taught in the Rondout Valley Central Schools and in later years worked as an office manager in a physician’s office.

Love of family was always her main focus. Patricia also enjoyed gardening, knitting, and crocheting. She loved to travel, enjoying many vacations, especially to Long Boat Key, Fla., and to Las Vegas, Nev.

Patricia was a member of the Community Church of High Falls and a former member and secretary of the Board of Trustees of the High Falls Cemetery Association.

Her husband, Barry H. Ayers, died April 2, 2015. She is survived by two sons, David H. Ayers and his wife Bernadette of Saugerites, and Michael Ayers of High Falls; a stepgrandson, Derek Cafaldo; and step great-grandchildren, Ezra Cafaldo and Arianna Cafaldo, all of Saugerties. She is also survived by a dear friend, Dr. Peter Houghton of Kingston.

Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at George J. Moylan Funeral Home Inc., 2053 Route 32, Rosendale. The Rev. Arlene Dawber will officiate. Interment will follow at High Falls Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to the High Falls Fire Department for Christmas activities in memory of both Barry and Patricia. (www.GJMoylanFuneralHome.com)