Jay I. Ayers, 43, of Mendota died April 29, 2011, in St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria. Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Restland Cemetery, Mendota, with the Rev. Michael Morrell officiating. There will be no visitation. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, provided the arrangements. He was born July 20, 1967, in Mendota to Roy and Helen (Despain) Ayers. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1986 and worked at Del Monte as a combine operator. He was a former member of Waltham Curling Club. He is survived by one daughter, Emalyse Ayers of Bureau; his father, Roy (Diane) Ayers of Palm Bay, Fla.; his mother, Helen (Don Lasik) Ayers of Utica; his maternal grandmother, Alva Despain of Mendota; one sister, Dena Shaver of Mendota; one stepbrother, Scot Walters of Hayworth; one stepsister, Dena Pakenham of Mendota; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents and his maternal grandfather. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.