Marie E. Payton

Our beloved mother and wife, Marie E. Payton, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior and was welcomed into Heaven October 20, 2025. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ron Easton; sister, Shirley Fletcher; parents Tom and June Sanford; granddaughter, Sierra Madison Brown; and great-granddaughter, Braelyn Dekkinga.

She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, C. Powers Payton; children Wendy (Rob) Ruger, Amy (Greg) Brown; grandchildren Alycia (Tyler) Weems, Jordan (Sydnee) Ruger, Brianna (Caleb) Mantooth, Madalyne (John) Dekkinga, Savannah Brown, Ellyonna Brown; great-grandchildren Bentley, Autumn, Scarlett, Lydia, Malachi, and Natalie Weems, Elijah, Tauren, and Israel Ruger, and Abram, Titus, and River Mantooth.

Though our hearts ache with loss, we rejoice in knowing she is now surrounded by the glory of God and the everlasting peace she so faithfully believed in.

Marie was the embodiment of love, grace, and generosity. To know her was to experience the hands and heart of Jesus through her kindness, her words, and her gentle spirit. Proverbs 14:1 tells us “the wisest of women build her house,” and she did just that—creating a home filled with warmth, security, laughter, and joy. She shared a beautiful life with her devoted husband, Powers, who loved her deeply and faithfully. Together, they built a love rooted in faith and friendship—one that blessed everyone around them. They cherished life’s simple joys, often taking little rides together, just to be present with one another and to spend time visiting their beloved family and friends. Those moments reflected the heart of who they were—two souls content in love, family, and God’s goodness.

Her daughters were the apple of her eye, and she adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely. Each day, she would send thoughtful messages to her girls—just checking in, making sure everyone was doing alright, and gathering every detail so she could lift each of them up in prayer. Her love for her family was steadfast, her prayers unending, and her faith unshakable.

Though her presence will be deeply missed—her laughter, her encouragement, her unwavering love—we find peace in knowing she is now resting in the arms of the Savior she so dearly loved. Her legacy of faith, family, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation with friends and relatives will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Chapel Pointe Byron Center, 6252 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A celebration of Marie’s life will commence immediately after at 2 p.m.

The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guest book online.