Enrique C. Ayala Obituary (1950 - 2017)

Enrique C. Ayala, age 66, of Grand Rapids, former proprietor of Supermercado Mexico, the Little Mexico Restaurant, and Gigante Supermall, passed away early Monday morning, January 30, 2017 at his home under the loving care of his family and Hospice of Michigan. The son of Atilano Ayala and Gregoria Chaidez, he was born on July 14, 1950 in Mexico and on April 23, 1976, in Mexico, he married Consuelo Martinez. Together, they made their home in Grand Rapids where Enrique was very involved in the community, having owned several businesses, and was a member of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish. He was known for his generosity towards others... even if helping someone else cost him his last cent. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jesus Ayala; and a sister, Alicia Quintana. Surviving are his wife of over 40 years, Consuelo Ayala of Grand Rapids; their two children, Alberto Ayala and Erica Ayala, both of Grand Rapids; four sisters, Fidelia Quintana, Eladia Garcia, Rosalba Cabada, and Esmeralda Jimenez; two brothers, Abelardo Ayala and Alfonso Ayala; two grandchildren, Bianca Ayala, and Alberto Ayala ll; and many, many nieces and nephews. Visitation is from 3-7 p.m. on Friday at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue S.E. at 36th Street (one block west of Eastern Avenue), Grand Rapids, where the Vigil Wake Service will take place from 7-8 p.m. on Friday. Visitation is also from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday at the Shrine of St. Francis Xavier & Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish, 250 Brown Street S.E., Grand Rapids, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Enrique's nephew, the Rev. Father Jose Luis Quintana, will preside and Rite of Committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Wyoming.