Elias Ayala

Ayala, Elias of Saginaw, Michigan Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, following a lengthy illness. He was 60 years old. Elias Ayala was born on April 15, 1956 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late, Ventura Ayala and Maria S. Thompson. He proudly served his country by enlisting into the United States Army on December 28, 1973 serving actively until December 1, 1976. During this time, Elias, married the love of his life, Delores A. Barajas on August 2, 1974 in Saginaw; she survives him. Following active duty, Elias enlisted into the United States Army Reserve. He was employed as a pipefitter at GM/Delphi Chassis for 30 years. Elias became a dedicated member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #22, the American GI Forum, and as a Veterans Chairman for the Veterans Committee with Local 467. Elias loved scuba diving, big classic cars, traveling up north, being outdoors as well as hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially poker. Elias will forever be remembered for his love and passion for life and for his family. Above all, he loved and cherished his grandson, Alejandro. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Henry Ford Transplant Institute team. Surviving are his beloved wife of 42 years, Delores A. Ayala of Saginaw; four sons and one daughter: Alejandro (Judy) Ayala of Saginaw, Rachel B. Ayala of Saginaw, Ramon A. Ayala of Saginaw, Carlos V. Ayala of Saginaw, and Robert M. Ayala of Saginaw, Michigan; one grandson, Alejandro Ayala, Jr., of Saginaw; two sisters: Gloria (Duane) Opczynski of Mesa, AZ, and Sandra Zamora of Tyler, TX; two step-sisters: Martha (Rick) Correa of Seguin, TX, and Bernice (John) Colegrove of Charlotte; two half-brothers: Richard Nerio of Saginaw, and John Ayala of Frankenmuth; and one aunt, Bertha (Arthur) Valls of Saginaw. Also surviving are a mother-in-law, Eva Barajas of Saginaw; three brothers-in-law: Francisco Barajas of Milwaukee, WI, Michael (Delilah) Barajas of Saginaw, and David (Ruth) Barajas of Tyler, TX; and two sisters-in-law: Angie (Bruce) Wood of Kalamazoo, and Christine Barajas of Saginaw; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a step-father, Roy Thompson. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 910 N. 6th Ave. Rev. Fr. Joseph A. Schabel will officiate. Military Honors and Rite of Committal will follow under the Auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #439 at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday evening. Elias will lie in state at the church on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Henry Ford Transplant Institute or the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.