Delva "Jean" Ayres, 90, of Portage, went home to the Lord Tuesday, February 27, 2024, with her husband of 70 years, Carl, by her side.  She was born September 19, 1933, in Gooserock, Kentucky to the late Taylor and Bessie Harris.

Jean is survived by her husband, Carl; son, Doug (Deane) Ayres; granddaughters, Jasmine Ayres, and Chyenne Hendrickson and son; sister, Doris Garret; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Hendrickson; and siblings, Charles, Creed, Carl, Daisy, Dorothy, Della, Donetta, and Diana.

Visitation will take place from 10:00am – 12:00pm Monday, March 4 at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage, IN, with a funeral service to follow at 12:00pm.  Burial will take place at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso, IN following the funeral service.