Margaret Lola Johnson - Ayres

 One of God’s angels, here on earth, has been called home. Margaret Lola Johnson-Ayres passed from this world on October 21, 2024.

 Margaret was born to Frank & Mary Johnson, November 3, 1947, in Helena Montana. She was raised on a dairy on the Masonic Home Ranch with her brother & sister and graduated from Helena High School in 1965.

 Shortly after her graduation she married Howard Vralsted. Margaret and Howard’s union brought their son, Todd Vralsted, into this world 53 years ago.

 Howard & Margaret later divorced and shortly afterward Margaret developed her love of designing and manufacturing jewelry when she worked for a dentist, in Helena. The dentist taught her how to “cast” her design ideas into reality.

 She started out making and giving away her designs to her many friends and family. Margaret was an award-winning jewelry designer.

 Margaret married Michael Ulibarri in the late 1970’s and they later divorced. Margaret’s step children, from this marriage, have always been a huge source of pride for her.

 Margaret eventually married Scott Ayres on August 7, 1999. Margaret closed her well-established jewelry store, Marlo Jewelers, in Billings Montana, and moved to Casper in 2000, to work with Scott at Ayres Jewelry Company. After 14 years of working closely together, Margaret & Scott closed Ayres Jewelry Company and moved to a private office for another 8 years before she, and Scott, decided to retire.

 Margaret served on the national board of Jewelers of America and is a two-time past president of the Montana & Wyoming Jewelers Association. She is a past member of PEO Chapter AT. She also served on the board of the Montana and Wyoming Girl Scouts. Margaret was selected the Soroptimist “Woman of Distinction” in 2010.

 She was a volunteer at the Self-Help Center, Make a Wish and CASA of Natrona County (who recognized Margaret as their volunteer of the year). 

 Surviving Margaret are her husband, Scott Ayres, her son Todd Vralsted and his wife, Michelle and Margaret’s stepson, Ryan Ayres, and his wife, Morgen. Another surviving son, not by blood, but by choice is Kevin Destwolinski. Also surviving are Margaret’s siblings, MaryFrances Ruffatto and John Johnson, including many nieces and nephews. Granddaughters Ashley Hirsch, Whitney Vralsted and Samantha Ayres. Also, her step children, Lisa Ulibarri Miller, Joe Ulibarri, Debbie Green and daughter in law, Maggie Vralsted, numerous grandchildren, step children and Margaret’s first great granddaughter, Maeve Lola Hirsch.

 Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Frank & Mary Johnson.

 Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Highland Park Community Church on Tuesday, October 29, at 10:00.

 In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial to The Self Help Center of Casper, CASA of Natrona County, or Make a Wish of Wyoming.