Barbara Jean Ayres, 71, of Freeville, passed away on January 9, 2026, at Cayuga Medical Center. Barbara was born on October 29, 1954, in Sussex, NJ, a daughter of the late Orlow and Rosa (Purcell) Brown. An area resident for most of her years, she was a graduate of Groton Central School and had worked in the food services at Ithaca College. She and her husband, Bill, had cared for several foster children.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, William T. Ayres, of Freeville; children: Crystal Sinclair (Chad), of Cortland, Angela Ayres, of Freeville, and Jamie Ayres (Stacy), of Freeville; nine grandchildren: Chelsey, Cady, Christy, Kody, Ryan, Hailey, Deven, Makenna, and Kaylee; five great-grandchildren; a brother, Douglas Brown; sisters: Anna Brown, Bonnie Harvey, and Wanda Fenton; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Paul Robert Ayres, in 2021; a brother, Donald Brown; and a sister, Sharon Gallondorn.
Friends may call from 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM on Monday, January 19, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton, where funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Willow Glen Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with Barbara's family at www.shurtleffservices.com.