Former State Representative Dies

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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowFuneral plans are pending in Chesterton for a former state representative and long-time teacher in Porter County. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report Ralph Ayres, who also served as president of the Duneland School Board, passed away Tuesday at the age of 67.
Ayres served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1980 to 2004. He was replaced by Rep. Ed Soliday (R-4), who told the publication Ayres was a very respected legislator.
"He cared deeply about public education, students and teachers, current and retired," Soliday told The Times. "He admirably continued to faithfully serve the public as a volunteer long after his retirement. He will be greatly missed."
Ayres taught social studies at Chesterton High School for 34 years. He retired in 2004 and was elected to the Duneland School Board in 2010.
"Rep. Ayres led a wonderful life of service in Chesterton," said Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell. "He was a teacher and community leader that served with a servant’s heart. As a state representative, he was completely devoted to his district, serving the people of Northwest Indiana with their greatest concerns at heart. Even after his retirement from teaching in 2004 and from the Statehouse in 2006, he continued to tirelessly volunteer and serve the public. Ralph will be truly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Ayres also served as executive director of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association after leaving the Statehouse. He was presented with the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2006.