Jesus Ayala Jr.

Jesus Ayala, Jr.,74, a resident of New Castle passed away Thursday, November 30, 2017 at IU Health, Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born August 9, 1943 in Hidalgo, Texas to the late Jesus and Shieuko (Kato) Ayala, Sr.

Jesus retired from Alleganhy Steel Factory in New Castle and previously had worked at Fontana Steel Factory in California and the Box Factory in New Castle. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during Viet Nam where he received a Purple Heart, along with many other awards. Jesus was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed wood working, crossword puzzles as well as watching MMA Fighting and Boxing matches with his wife. He enjoyed cooking and especially liked visiting with church missionaries when they came by the house.

His wife of nearly 50 years, Maria, passed away just six weeks ago on October 18, 2017. He also lost a son, Jesus (Jess) Ayala, III on January 17, 1995.

He is survived by his, daughter, Lori Manderson of Fargo, North Dakota and a son, Ruben Jason “RJ” (Zephra Kay) Ayala of Texas, grandchildren, Jesse M. (Karen) Manderson, Ashley N. Manderson, Nieko S. Manderson, Xavier Ayala, Aaliyah Ayala, Madison Ayala, Isabella Ayala and Layla Ayala, two great-grandchildren, Nevaeh Manderson and Riley Manderson; sisters: Olivia Artechi of Los Angeles, Jesusa (Henry) Lerma, Amelia Griffin, Lupe (Alfred) Gonzales, Diana Ayala and Ruben Ayala, All of Palm Springs, CA; several nieces and nephews in California, Indiana Illinois, Michigan and Arizona.

He was also preceded in death by four siblings: Berta Gaines, Modesto Ayala, Raul Ayala and Criselcha Ramos.

Services will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will be in Mt. Summit Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by a contingent of the U.S. Army, the American Legion and VFW. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. prior to the service. You may express condolences or share a memory of Jesus at www.hinsey-brown.com .