Donald Wray Aylsworth, 87, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at home. He was born Dec. 16, 1936, in Cambridge, Nebraska, to William and Ruby (Balcom) Aylsworth. He graduated from Gresham High in 1955. Donald joined the United States Air Force. He achieved the rank of Airman 1st Class and received a Good Conduct Medal at the time of his honorable discharge.
After the military, Don worked at the Piggly Wiggly in Portland, Oregon, and in 1963 moved his family to Chehalis, Washington, where he owned and operated Ward’s Market in downtown Chehalis. Don was a butcher for most of his adult life, selling locker packs and delivering meat to restaurants.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marylin, and his son, Rick Ziegler.
Don is survived by his daughters, Donna and (Tom) Lund, Chehalis, Gay (Rich) Durward, Olympia, Karen (Pepper) Gratzer, Chehalis, and Susie Wilber, Chehalis; son, Teddy Ziegler, Olympia; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, Washington. Donations may be made to the Lewis County Gospel Mission, 72 SW Chehalis Ave., Chehalis, 98532.
