Efrain Ayala

Efrain Ayala, 70 of Watertown, passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital of Madison.

Efrain was born on November 14, 1954, in Mexico, the son of Efren and Maria De Nieves Herenandez Ayala. On December 1, 2001, Efrain was united in marriage with Rita Reals in Illinois. Efrain was a happy and faithful man with a heart of gold. He enjoyed reading his bible, and started and finished each day with a prayer. Efrain loved dominos, puzzles, crossword puzzles, and cards. He also liked to play Mexican bingo and was an excellent cook on the grill. Above all else, Efrain treasured time spent with his family and friends, and his beloved dog Rice Ball. He loved life, and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Efrain is survived by: his wife Rita; son Manuel (Nancy Rodriguez) Ayala; grandchildren Camila, Julian, and Haziel; brother Enrique (Hortencia) Ayala; sisters Pascual Ayala, Magdalana Ayala, and Maria Ayala. Efrain is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Efrain is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Juan and Alvino, and sisters Francisca, Elodia, and Ofelia.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, at 6:00 PM at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home of Waterloo with Rev. Dale Hella presiding. Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home.