Mary M. Payne, 92, passed away at 5:29 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016, at her daughter's home in Benton surrounded by her family.
Mary was born on July 18, 1924, to Joseph and Esther (Stricklin) Racine.
She married Earl D. Payne in 1947 and he preceded her in death. "Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone, I'll live in memories garden, dear, with happy days we've known..." from "Should You Go First," by Albert Kennedy “Rosey” Rowsell.
Mary retired from the Department of Natural Resources at the age of 79.
She is survived by Cheryl (Charles) Morton of Bridgeville, Delaware, and Julie Payne-Hubler (Stanley) of Benton. She is also survived by one grandchild, Brett (Jennifer) Morton of East New Market, Maryland; and two great-grandchildren, Brooke Morton and Jake Morton of East New Market, Maryland; two special nieces, Dr. Cynthia Macieiski Murphy (Rick Eslick) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Dr. Trudy Macieiski Reynolds (George) of Carbondale; and two special nephews, Ron Hansen of Los Angeles, California, and Tom Hansen (Wanda) of Speedwell, Tennessee. Also surviving is a biological half brother, Jake (J.C.) Racine.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Oneta Macieiski; a brother, Harry Racine; nephews, Philip Macieiski, Stanley Macieiski Jr., James Hansen, Michael Jensen, Kenneth Payne, and Timothy Racine.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton, with the Rev. Urban Osuji, officiating. Burial will be in Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:24
Arrangements under the direction of Pate Funeral Home at 301 S. Main St., in Benton.
Online condolences may be given at www.patefh.com.
