Karen Michelle (Mann) Ayres

Karen Michelle Ayres, 66, of Paw Paw, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

She was born April 22, 1957, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Leonard Mann and Eunice (Granat) Mann.

Karen devoted her working years and free time to the educational system. For twenty years, she was a bus driver for Mattawan Consolidated Schools. She loved all of the children that rode on her bus. She was a member of the Paw Paw School Board for twenty-five years, twenty of those serving as president. Karen played a crucial role in the development of the new Paw Paw High School and Performing Arts Center. She enjoyed helping with the school sporting events and fundraisers. She was thrilled to be voted "Educational Hero Award" in June 2016.

She is survived by her husband; Joel Ayres, whom she married on October 7, 1978, son; Jonathon Ayres, daughter; Jennifer (Gregory) Ayres, grandchildren; Ben, Raquel and Quintin Ayres along with one brother; Richard (Ginny) Mann.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents and brother, John Mann.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will commence at 7:00 p.m. with Kenny Smeader officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paw Paw Public Schools to be used for future grants for teachers. Checks are to be made payable to "Paw Paw Public Schools" Include "In Memory of Karen Ayres" in the memo. 119 Johnson Road, Paw Paw, MI 49079.