Louise (Schmidt) Payne-McDonnold

Louise McDonnold, an amazing lady passed away on February 15, 2025, at the age of 97. She will always be remembered for her big heart and beautiful smile. Louise was born August 11, 1927, in Yoakum, Texas to Robert and Tillie Schmidt. She grew up in Yoakum, graduating from Yoakum High School and Baldwin Business College.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Tillie Schmidt; her first husband of 35 years, Gene Payne, Jr., father of her two sons; brother, E.J. Schmidt; second husband of 23 years, Bob McDonnold; granddaughter, Holly Douglas; stepdaughter, Jan Terrell.

Louise may have been a career woman, but she was also a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. She took great pride in her children and all their activities. She retired in August 1986 from Exxon Company, U.S.A. with 30 years of service. After retirement, Louise and Bob, with their dear friends, enjoyed many years of travel, both abroad and in the U.S. Also, fun times for them was entertaining with dinner parties in their home. Louise loved traveling the world, but in her later years was most comfortable at home reading books and working cross word puzzles.

Louise was a life-long Lutheran. She was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for forty plus years. She served as Treasurer of the Church Council for several terms and enjoyed doing other volunteer work. However, the real love of her life was her loving and caring grandchildren. They all were her good friends. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Mamaw) and was blessed to be a great-grandmother (Gigi). She will be sorely missed by all.

Louise leaves her two sons, Michael (Mike) Payne and wife, Debbie of Magnolia, TX and Jeffrey (Jeff) Payne and wife, Jenny of Richmond; six grand-children: Drew Baker and wife, Jennifer of Houston; Josh Douglas; Missy (Payne) Howe and husband, Matt of Houston; Aaron Payne and wife, Sarah of Wisconsin; Jessica (Payne) Finley and husband, Steve of Houston; Lauren (Payne) Grant and husband, Matt of Houston; 13 great-grandchildren: Ayden, Reagan, Emma and Luke Finley; Rylee Scarborough, Averi and Brooklynn Howe; Evan, Avey, Elle and Noah Grant; Reid and Nolan Baker all of Houston. Also, mourning her loss are three sisters and one brother- Doris Schmidt of Victoria; Roberta Wenzel and husband, Tom of Yoakum; Joyce Mueller of Shiner; Cecil (Bud) Schmidt and wife, Sandy of Corpus Christi; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Louise also leaves stepson, Jim McDonnold, and two step grandchildren, Ross and Shannon Washburn.

The family will receive visitors at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview Drive, Houston, TX 77055 on Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Services will be on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 1:00 pm, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7901 Westview, Houston, TX 77055. Interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those desiring, contributions may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or donors choice