Mary Louise Payne

Mary Louise Payne, 94, of Shafter, went to be with the Lord on the morning of Friday, March 17th.

Louise was born on Dec. 1, 1928, in Leachville, Ark., to L.B. and Myrtle Johnson. She spent her childhood in Southeast Missouri, the eldest of six children.

Growing up on a farm in a rural community, her parents instilled in her a strong work ethic that she made sure to pass on to her children. At a young age she realized the value of a good education and knew teaching would be her vocation.

Post WWII was a time when teachers were in desperate need, so at 19 years of age she began a teaching career that would last for 43 years. She taught in both Missouri and California, all while raising four children and attending evening and summer courses to complete her degree. She truly was a child of the "Greatest Generation."

Our mom met the love of her life in Missouri at 5 years old. We have all been regaled with the story of Mom and Dad meeting on the railroad track while walking to school. Dad loved to tell that story! They celebrated 68 happy years together in 2017.

For 30 years, Mom and Dad attended Calvary Bible Church, where she lent her beautiful voice to the choir. They traveled with the Shafter Trailer Club on monthly and cross-country trips. Along the way they made many lifelong friends. A life well lived.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings; her first husband, Arvil Trowbridge, who was killed in an accident, and in 2017 her beloved husband Lyndon Payne.

She is survived by three sons; Danny (Barb) Payne, Stevie (Mary) Payne and Greg (Karen) Payne; a daughter, Regina (Jim) Hart, and a sister, Joan Brewer, of Texas. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Magnolia Place assisted living/memory care facility for their love and care of Mom. They treated Mom as if she were family, and we felt they were family as well.

Also, thank you to Hoffman Hospice for their compassionate care during her final days.

There will be a private viewing with a service to be held on Friday, March 31, at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter. A graveside service will follow at Shafter Memorial Park.