When you drive down the Esplanade, there is a lovely green historic home that sits across from Chico High School, and next to MONCA. On the porch you would often find our loved one, who went by Diane, sitting in her rocking chair, waving and smiling at you. She would ask how your day was going, how your children were, or how school went for you that day. She loved engaging with her neighbors, and members of this community, and it gave her great joy to interact with so many of you. What many of you did not see was a woman who intentionally wore pants back when women were expected to wear a dress. A woman who believed food should taste good and would drive to our surrounding areas to buy rice, olives, nuts, and dairy from the farmers who harvested them. A woman who never let us win at cards, loved to read, and who valued art and a good conversation. A woman who watched bull-riding just so she could cheer on the bulls…not the riders. A woman who loved her home, her family, and her friends above all things.

Diane was full of life. She was born on April 29th, 1936, in Oakland CA to her parents Walt and Barbara Gardner. She married Don Ayers in 1955 and had four beloved children, David Ayers, Kelly Raine, Penny Ayers-Anderson, and Steven Ayers as well as her special adopted sons Adrian “AJ” Jenkins and Michael “Deano” Jones. She would later welcome her grandchildren Diane “Dee” Heron and her husband Todd, Bryan Rupert, Craig Anderson, Nicole Choquette, and great-grandchildren Heather Rupert, Caleb Heron, and Ethan Heron.

Together with Don Ayers, her husband of 52 years, they owned Buckhorn Pest Control and 5th Generation Antiques. She was a savvy businesswoman and built incredible relationships with her customers. She was funny, kind, generous, loving, and gave the best hugs. After Don passed away in 2007, she found love again with David “Papa” Ferris and they were married in 2012. They were a wonderful pair who loved each other dearly.

She was taken from us on March 1, 2024, and while our tears continue to fall, we know that she is looking over us from above. We will miss her for all of our remaining days.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Tuesday May 21st, from 1:00–3:00pm at the CARD Community Center Rose Garden at 545 Vallombrosa Ave. We extend this invitation to any of you who would like to stop by and hear stories about her, we would be honored to shake your hand.