Emma Rae (Ayers) Zimmerman, 84, peacefully passed away on June 23, 2026, with her beloved sons by her side.

Emma was born on August 15, 1941, in Newton, Kansas, to Charles Frederick Ayers and Eunice Gladwyn Wise. She graduated from Newton High School in 1959 and carried throughout her life the values of hard work, kindness, and devotion to family that were instilled in her during her upbringing.

On March 24, 1962, Emma married the love of her life, Alfred Zimmerman, Jr. Together they shared 58 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and enduring love. Their journey took them to several communities over the years, including California; Hays, Kansas; Springfield, Nebraska; Lexington, Missouri; and Liberty, Missouri, where they formed lasting friendships and cherished memories.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and caregiver, Emma dedicated her life to caring for her family. Emma and Al were blessed with two sons, Brian Zimmerman and Bradley Zimmerman, who were the pride and joy of her life. She found great joy in nurturing and supporting her loved ones and was happiest when surrounded by family.

While living in Springfield, Nebraska, Emma pursued her education and became a licensed cosmetologist. Her talent and generosity soon made her the family's trusted beautician, a role she happily filled for many years. Family members and friends alike benefited from her skill, patience, and willingness to help whenever someone needed a haircut or styling.

After moving to Lexington, Missouri, Emma and Al became business owners, purchasing and managing the Lexington Inn. Together they worked side by side, welcoming guests and building a successful family business. Following the sale of the Lexington Inn, Emma and Al relocated to Liberty, Missouri, where she could be closer to her sons and their families.

While in Liberty, Emma embraced one of her most cherished roles: "Grammy." She lovingly cared for her grandchildren through what became affectionately known as "Grammy's Daycare." Countless days were filled with laughter, lessons, hugs, and special memories that her grandchildren will carry with them throughout their lives. Caring for them was not simply something she did—it was one of her greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own family, and she became known simply as "Grammy" to many others whose lives she touched. Whether related by blood or friendship, children and adults alike found comfort, encouragement, and unconditional love in her presence.

Emma will be remembered for her gentle spirit, warm heart, unwavering devotion to family, and her selfless care for others. Whether as a wife, mother, grandmother, beautician, business owner, caregiver, or the family's beloved "flower whisperer," she touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. To many who knew her, she was simply "Grammy"—a title that extended far beyond her own family and reflected the love, warmth, wisdom, and compassion she shared so freely with everyone around her. Her welcoming nature, caring heart, and ability to make people feel loved and valued left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred Zimmerman, Jr.; her parents, Charles Frederick Ayers and Eunice Gladwyn Wise; her brother, Charles Frederick Ayers, Jr.; and her sisters, Nancy Ruth Christensen and Anna Rogene Besse.

She is survived by her sons, Brian (Kim) Zimmerman and Bradley (Heidi) Zimmerman; her grandchildren, Austin (Lexie) Zimmerman, Kaitlyn (Alex) Jackson, Marissa Zimmerman (Colton Christensen), and Jacklyn Zimmerman; her great-grandchildren, Ember, Preston, Maven, Noah, Sutton, and Vance; her sister, LaDonna Unruh; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Emma's life was a testament to love, commitment, service, and family. Her memory will be treasured always, and her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N. State Route 291, Liberty, Missouri 64068. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1503 Tracy Avenue, Excelsior Springs, Missouri 64024, with Father Kevin Drew officiating. Burial will follow at Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty, Missouri.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Emma's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.