Penny Sue Payne

Penny Sue Payne, 74, passed away on May 10, 2026. Born April 27, 1952, in Iola, Kansas, Penny Sue was the daughter of Donald and Emma Rayl. She grew up in Topeka, Kansas, and graduated from Topeka High School.

Throughout her life, Penny Sue carried herself with steady patience and a kind-hearted spirit that put others at ease. Her days were marked by compassion expressed in practical ways, and by a faithful devotion that shaped how she loved, served, and encouraged those around her.

Penny Sue worked as a home health care giver, a role that suited her gentle attentiveness and sincere care for others. In both work and daily life, she was known for a quiet constancy—showing up, listening well, and offering help with warmth and respect.

She was married to Dan Payne for 56 years. Together they raised four children and moved often for Dan’s job, living mostly in southern Kansas. Through each change of address and season of life, Penny Sue remained a steady presence—anchoring her family with tenderness, patience, and enduring love.

Penny Sue found joy in crochet and knitting, and her greatest personal interest was reading—especially Bible studies. A woman of deep faith, she loved God and cherished time spent in Scripture. Her faith was not kept private; she loved to share her love of the Lord and to speak of what she believed with sincerity and grace.

Over the years, Penny Sue attended various churches, continuing to seek fellowship and to live out her beliefs in community. Whether in a familiar congregation or a new one, she carried the same respectful spirit and gentle kindness.

Penny Sue is survived by her husband, Daniel Payne; daughter Dani Payne; son Donald (Tana)Payne; Daughter Candace (Shane Garbin) Payne; Daughter Ina (Andy) Cavin; four grandchildren, Keegan Payne, Isaac, Madelynne and Olivia Cavin; and two granddogs, Shadow and Hershey.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Piper McPherson.