Stewart "Butch" Robert Ayres

Stewart Robert Ayres, Jr. 69, passed away peacefully at his home in Battle Creek, MI with his wife by his side on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

He was affectionately known as Butch all his life.

He was born August 5, 1957 in Battle Creek, MI to Stewart R. Ayres, Sr and Bonnie Jo (Curtis) Spinnie. He worked many years at Union Pump until his health forced early retirement in 2007.

Butch loved garage/estate sales, auctions, thrift stores, casinos, watching YouTube. Judge Judy was a favorite. He loved riding ATV’s in the Hatfield/McCoy Mountain trails of West Virginia, Grayling and the UP. He loved mowing his yard, riding the mower around the neighborhood to visit them versus walking and long country road rides with no destination. Most of all, he looked forward to his grandchildren coming to spend the summers.

Butch married Christine Sanchez-Fields on May 30, 2008, in front of the fireplace in their home with daughters and grandson, Jaime as witnesses.

He is survived by his wife, Christine Ayres of Battle Creek; daughters, Tricia (Mark) Carpenter of DeWitt, MI and Darci Fields of Caro, MI; grandchildren Demetrius, DeShawn, Lucy and Wyatt. He loved having all his grandchildren here for the summers. His only granddaughter, Lucy, was his pride and joy. He is also survived by siblings, Kathy Rainey of Battle Creek, Teresa (Bill) Tidwell of East Leroy,MI, Marilyn (Russ) Morgan of Battle Creek, and John (Julie) Ayres of Torrance, CA; stepmom Maybelle Ayres of Battle Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Jaime Cano, whom he grieved and missed very much. They had a special bond.

Per his wishes he gifted his body to the U of M Anatomical Program. Cremation and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. Personal messages for Butch's family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.