Judith (“Judie”) Diane Ayers Lay

March 10, 1944 – December 9. 2022

Creative Writer, loyal friend and loving mother and sister, #1 Astros Fan

To know Judie was to know fun and how to laugh, a lot. Judie, as everyone called her, was a woman, mother, daughter, sister and friend – loyal to all. If allowed to do her own obituary, it would be a rhyme – as she was incredibly gifted with her writing. Writer, journalist, realtor and overall creative genius.

Judie was born in Jefferson City, Missouri to Rowen B. Ayers and Eleanor Alpha Byarlay. Judie grew up with her brother, James “Jim” Ayers with their loving parents.

Judie went to the University of Missouri where she joined the sorority of Kappa Alpha Theta which would be a force of sisterhood throughout her life. Judie studied journalism and was selected for Mortar Board for her academic and leadership achievements. Judie met her husband, Kenneth (“Ken”) Lee Lay, while in French class and they married after college.

Judie and Ken had two children, Mark Lay and Elizabeth Lay, and soon after, made Winter Park, Florida their home. Judie freelanced for the local paper, often writing about their home town. Judie later joined the real estate firm of Fannie Hillman and Associates as a realtor and marketing director. Judie loved her job, colleagues and the opportunities it afforded her to “sell” her hometown to new residents. There is no question, Judie’s favorite place was on a beach chair enjoying the beautiful Florida beaches with friends and family.

Judie’s creativity extended far beyond her writing, including decorating, party planning, and just overall fun.

Judie was an amazing woman, overcoming many challenges, including Bipolar 1. When diagnosed, mental health was still stigmatized. With the help of family and dear friends, she navigated the volatility of the illness throughout her life.

While Judie and Ken divorced, they remained close and spent many Christmases and vacations with their extended families. Judie loved traveling the world; Paris, Venice, Tokyo, London, and so much more. She spent time living in Aspen where she loved to ski and eventually resided in Houston – her final home, near friends and family. Judie is survived by her loving brother, Jim,  her children Liz Lay and her husband Michael Liimatainen, Mark Lay and his wife Natalie Lay and Judie's  four grandchildren, Zachary, Katie, Lucas and Tessa – the shining lights of her life.

Judie passed away peacefully in loving care. She will be greatly missed by so many who loved her. Her wit and wisdom will live on with her legacy in her children and grandchildren. Judie was able to teach all that you speak your mind, stay loyal to those who are loyal to you, you may be smart, but more importantly, be wise. We have no doubt that Judie is in Heaven, a woman of faith, with those that predeceased her including her parents, her former husband, her older half brother (Victor Ayers) and so many friends.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to Theta Foundation’s General Merit-Based Scholarship Fund at www.givetotheta.org or with a check to Theta Foundation, 8740 Founders Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268

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