Leslie Ann (Arbuckle) Ayers

Leslie Ann (Arbuckle) Ayers, age 78, of New Freedom, PA, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late David Michael Ayers sharing 54 years of marriage together.

Born in Salt Lake City, UT, in 1947, Leslie spent her early years there before relocating with her family to Sacramento, CA, in 1960. While attending Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento, she met her future husband, David, leading to their marriage in June 1966.

Leslie was heavily involved in education, notably tutoring children with special needs through various roles—both volunteer and paid—at St. Charles Borromeo Parish. In 1984, she moved with her family from Sacramento, CA, to New Freedom, PA, eventually settling in York, PA. Drawing on skills learned from a young age, she established a successful baking business that provided goods to local restaurants and churches. Leslie valued family and took pride in hosting numerous gatherings at her home. She also enjoyed dancing, singing, and participating fully in each moment.

A committed member of the Catholic faith, Leslie was a long-standing parishioner of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Dallastown.

She is survived by her children: Carrie Ayers-Winter (John), Gary Ayers (Jennifer), and Thomas Ayers; grandchildren: Alex Nugent, Jarred Nugent, John Winter III, Evan Winter, Sara Winter, Britney Pitman, Kaela Ayers, Elizabeth Ayers, David Ayers, Tosh Swain, Amanda Hayden, Melissa Jorich; great-grandchildren: Jake Ayers, Adri Wine, Brayden Swain, Mason Hayden, Amelia Quintero, Harper Barnes; siblings: Brian Arbuckle, Bruce Arbuckle, Jeff Arbuckle, Joan Arbuckle Thomas, Kathleen Arbuckle, John Arbuckle, Thomas Arbuckle; and daughter-in-law Terri Ayers.

Leslie was preceded in death by her husband, parents Richard and Lorraine (Smith) Arbuckle, son Lance Ayers, and brothers David Arbuckle and Patrick Arbuckle.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 315 N. Constitution Ave., New Freedom, PA 17349 with a time of visitation one hour prior. Interment will be held at a later date.

Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc. of New Freedom is assisting the family with the arrangements.