Ellen “Sue” Payne, 93, St. Joseph, Missouri passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.
She was born on June 20, 1932 to Ray Miles and Gladys Irene (Hoyt) Cornell in Gilman City, Missouri.
A long time resident of St. Joseph, Sue found her partner in life, Jacob "Jack" Payne, and they were united in matrimony on June 5, 1953, at the Penn St. Congregation, until he passed away in 2005.
An active member of the Community of Christ Church, The Eastern Star, a board member of the Harris-Kemper Historic District Neighborhood Association and the Second Season Thrift Store of the Community of Christ Church in town, where she was also an active volunteer; Sue's faith and fellowship were cornerstones of her existence. She also embraced the role of Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, nurturing young minds with the same love and attention she gave to her family.
In her professional life, she served with a caring heart in the food service area at Webster School for the St. Joseph School District for many years before she retired.
The life in the country brought her immense joy. A lover of nature, she found solace and energy in her garden, between the petals of her flowers, and while hunting mushrooms. Sue's deep appreciation for the outdoors was reflected in the care of her numerous birdfeeders and enthusiasm for all al fresco activities. Her avid reading transported her to worlds beyond, while her passion for bowling kept her active and socially engaged.
Her legacy is carried forward by her children, Donald Payne (Judy), Jacquelyn Iverson (Dennis), Dennis Payne (Tammy), and Jean Payne-Hughes, her five grandchildren: Cody Payne, Dustin Payne, Jason Iverson, Alisha Payne, and Jacob Payne, as well as her three great-grandchildren, two nieces, one nephew, and further family members and friends who will always keep her memory on their hearts.
Preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jack, sister Sarah "Betty" Waugh, and a niece, her departure leaves a void in the everyday, but her influence remains a constant presence.
Sue's memory will forever bloom in the gardens she tended and in the hearts of those she touched.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 1:00 P.M. Monday, Community of Christ. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers the family suggest memorial contributions to the 17th St. Congregation of Community of Christ in St. Joseph.
