Polly Anna Ayala

While attending elementary school there, she met Yolanda “Yoli” Mendoza, who would become her lifelong friend. Polly graduated from Port Aransas High School in 1987, and then attended Bauder College where she earned an associate’s degree in fashion merchandising.

Polly met Peter Ayala in 1998, at Shell’s Restaurant in Port Aransas, Texas. They were married in 1999, and together had two children, Amy Ayala and John “JD” Ayala. Polly had a great fondness for animals and loved her dogs, ducks, and chickens. She also had many hobbies, such as attending aerobic classes at the Corpus Christi Athletic Club, baking, going to coffee shops, writing, and shopping.

Polly was a kind and gentle person. She loved to see the people around her happy and was a light to all who knew her. Beneath her tender heart was a quiet strength. After receiving a devastating diagnosis, Polly did not succumb to hopelessness or despair. She maintained a positive attitude and continued to live life. She also fought the cancer until the very end, past the point most people would have given up. Polly’s strength and fighting spirit will always be remembered and will continue to inspire all those that knew her.

Polly will be dearly missed by her family and friends who will continue to carry her memory in their hearts. She is preceded in death by her parents, John Nixon and Molly Nixon, and her brother, John Nixon, Jr. She is survived by her husband, Peter Ayala; her children, Amy Ayala and John “JD” Ayala; her siblings, Neal Nixon and Mark Nixon (Francesca); her sisters-in-law, Ida Pauken (Tom), Ruth Ayala-Lott (Mike), and Mary Ayala; and her brother-in-law, Frank Ayala.

All family and friends of Polly are invited to celebrate her life and legacy. A direct internment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM.

Honoring Polly as pallbearers will be Peter Ayala, John “JD” Ayala, Mike Lott, Frank Ayala, Mario Venegas, and Spencer Thornburgh.

To give your condolences to the family of Polly Anna Ayala, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.