Shirley Jean Payne

Shirley Jean Payne was born Shirley Rothrock in Pendleton, Oregon on 4/2/1930. She passed away on Easter 4/9/2023 at the age of 93. She lived her last two years at River Mountain Village in Newport, Wa. Linda and her son-in-law Keith were fortunate to be at her bedside at her passing.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ralph and Lois Rothrock, her husband Vernon, her sister Blanche, and brother Donald. She is survived by her children, son Terry Payne and daughter Linda Lyson as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

At Central Valley high school where she graduated, Shirley was active as Girls League President and rose to Worthy Advisor in Rainbow girls. She met the love of her life at CV, Vern Payne, and they married October 16, 1948.

After building a little brick house in Greenacres, Terry was born in 1949 and Linda 1952. Vern and Shirley were involved at the Western Dance Association and made many lifelong friends there. In 1970 they built their Liberty Lake home and Shirley was involved with The Liberty Lake Garden Club participating in many fundraising events and with her informal “stitching group” friends.

Mom and dad loved Bead Lake and purchased their lot in 1968. They spent most of their spare time there, toiling to build a cabin. Many of their children and grandchildren considered the cabin their peaceful retreat.

Shirley was an accomplished and gifted artisan of many different kinds of needle work masterpieces. Her other passion was gardening, growing beautiful flowers in her garden boxes.

Linda was her mother’s caregiver during the last few years her life and they shared many precious moments. The characteristic that stands out the most about Shirley was her kindness, optimism and being the most positive person imaginable. She always looked on the bright side and put her family before herself. Her family considered her a true angel and is now at rest in the arms of the Lord.