In Memoriam: OB-GYN and former AOA BOS chair Ronald E. Ayres, DO

Ronald Earl Ayres, DO, was born on March 8, 1942, in Pittsburgh to Julia and Earl Ayres. He died on March 9, 2026, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann (Stetson) Ayres; his three children, Tanya Brown, Brandon and Jeffrey Ayres, and eight grandchildren.

“The osteopathic profession was greatly enriched by the contributions of Dr. Ayres,” said AOA CEO Kathleen Creason, MBA. “He has served so many in the profession and numerous patients through his work.”

In 1964, Dr. Ayres graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, where he met his beloved wife and partner of 61 years, Ruth Ann. After earning a bachelor of science in chemistry, he went on to earn a degree in osteopathic medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) in 1968 and subsequently completed his internship at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. From 1969 through 1973, he served in a residency training program in obstetrics and gynecology at Detroit Osteopathic Hospital and Riverside Osteopathic Hospital.

After completing his residency, Dr. Ayres served for 42 years as an OB-GYN attending physician at John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Stratford, New Jersey. During his distinguished career, he held numerous leadership positions, including chief of staff at JFK Hospital, president of the American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists and chair of the AOA Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (BOS).

Later in his career, Dr. Ayres served as professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, now known as Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine. Upon completion of his position as chairman of the department, he was awarded the “Medal of Excellence” for distinguished service to the medical school. Though he won many accolades and awards throughout his career, he never lost his sense of humility.

“Dr. Ayres exemplified the very best of osteopathic medicine—a dedicated educator who elevated our profession through his unwavering commitment to teaching and learning,” said AOA immediate past-president Teresa Hubka, DO, FACOOG (Dist.), FACOG, CS. “He was an inspirational mentor, a strong and steady leader, and above all, a compassionate and exceptional physician whose impact on women’s health will endure for generations. To many of us, he was not only a colleague we sought to emulate, but also a dear friend whose presence enriched both our profession and our lives.”

Living with purpose

Dr. Ayres was a life-long member of the Church of the Nazarene. His life was modeled on Jesus, consistently serving with his time, talents and treasures. His character and integrity were constant and admired by all those who knew him. He leaves that legacy of faith to his children and grandchildren. He also leaves behind a vacation home in the Pocono mountains, a purchase that provided a place for everyone to gather. For many years, the children and grandchildren came and enjoyed boating, water skiing, swimming, campfires and, of course, lots of s’mores.

Dr. Ayres lived a full life and will be missed by all who knew him. Any donations in his honor are requested to be given to the Southside Church of the Nazarene’s Greater Things Fund.