Rita B. Payne went to be with her Heavenly Father on July 13th, 2019. She was born in Niles Ohio on March 11, 1921. Rita grew up in Ohio and after graduating high school, she became a beautician. She worked for a short time and then decided to take a different path in her life. At 21, she became a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (which later became WAC, Women’s Army Corps).
After volunteering for service overseas during WW II, Rita served as a stenographer and secretary to a general and spent time in Cheltenham England, Normandy and Paris (where she met her husband, Robert B. Payne). Rita and Bob were both very proud veterans of the US Army.
After the war, Rita and Bob moved back to the states and they lived all over the country raising their four daughters. They settled in the Altamonte Springs area for retirement and, after Bob retired from Martin Marietta, they spent many wonderful years traveling the US in their camper.
Rita moved into The Estates at Carpenters in March 2007, where she happily spent her last 14 years. She was active as a volunteer in the Villa & the Manor doing various jobs including delivering magazines, reading to residents, and calling bingo. She stayed very active and loved to exercise daily by walking the hallways. She made many friends there, as she enjoyed all the various Estates activities -- like going to chapel, bingo, movies, Wi bowling, exercises, sing-alongs, entertainment and, Rita loved to dance.
She attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Lakeland and was a longtime member of St Mary Magdalen Church in Maitland, FL.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob, who passed away in February of 1997. She leaves behind her four beloved daughters: Nancy Payne - Santa Fe, NM; Susan Pickering (husband James) - Dandridge, TN; Janis Pitlak (John Chathan) - Florissant CO; Sherye Trinkner (husband Tony) - Longwood FL. Her two beloved Grandchildren: Chris (wife Jessica) Pickering Gainesville, FL and Carly (husband Andy) Snyder-Lakeland, FL. Her two precious Great-Grandchildren (Drew & Jake Snyder). Her dear sister-in law Nancy Paxton in Fairfield, CT and her many beloved nieces and nephews and extended families.
There will be a memorial service for Rita July 27 at 2PM in the main auditorium at The Estates at Carpenters, Lakeland. The family thanks her many dear friends, caretakers, and nurses that helped to care for her in her final days. Donations may kindly be made to one of the following: Chera Fund Estates at Carpenters, Good Shepherd Hospice, or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.
