Ruth Ayers, 92; Founded Music Firm

SPOKANE - Ruth Sampson Ayers, who in the 1920s founded one of the nation's largest sheet-music companies, died Friday (July 12) at age 92.

A lifelong Spokane resident, Mrs. Ayers was the daughter of John Peter and Albertina Sampson, who came to Spokane Falls from Sweden in the 1880s. She graduated from North Central High School in 1918.

In 1929, she founded the Ruth Sampson Sheet Music Co., which grew to be one of the largest sheet-music companies in the country.

Mrs. Ayers helped organize the original Spokane Music Festival and served on the board of trustees of the original Spokane Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1927, she became the first soloist to appear with the Spokane Symphony Orchestra.

In 1945 she married Navy Lt. Cmdr. Stephen Edward Ayers, a World War I and II veteran.

In 1950 the company became Sampson-Ayers House of Music, and a piano and organ department, a recital hall, and music practice rooms were added.

Mrs. Ayers sold the music company in 1979 after her husband's death.

Survivors include one stepdaughter, Helen King of Durham, N.C.