Betty's Obituary
Betty Lee Payne passed away on October 11, 2022, at the age of 95 years. Betty was born on June 15, 1927, in Great Falls.
She was the youngest of three girls born to Frank and Ethel Papan, joining sisters, Maxyne and Mildred. The family lived on a farm near Loma until Betty was 7. They then moved to the Cascade area to a ranch on the Missouri River and later to their ranch near Ulm. She attended school in Cascade and was valedictorian of the class of 1945. She attended the College of Great Falls to earn a Teaching certificate, again as the class valedictorian. She taught at the rural school of Flood for two years. She married Samuel W. Payne in 1947 and they made their home in Ulm. Along with Sam and daughter, Sharon, together they added children, Linda, Cindy, Sam, Dan, and Jim.
She returned to college in 1959 and received a two-year Teaching diploma and began teaching in the Ulm school while also continuing her education by correspondence and summer school to receive her B.S. degree in 1969. While doing this, she cared for her large family which had increased in size when her three nephews, Jack, Larry, and Mark became part of the family. No matter how full her plate, she helped family. She cared for her mother during her last months of life and welcomed her father into their home after her mother died. She cared for her sister, Maxyne, and our dad as they each battled cancer. Sam’s stepfather also lived on the Payne Place for several years, and she assisted and transported him as needed. Betty was always busy teaching kids, raising kids, driving kids, baking, cooking, sewing, gardening, keeping up our home, and yard, and more. At various times she boarded other children.
She was involved in the community as a 4-H Leader, helping to lead catechism classes, and many other community activities. Betty, Sam, and family had many good times with many good friends in the Ulm community who were like family. In her next-door neighbor, she found her best and forever friend, Gertie Walker. Betty always had a desire to help others whether helping her students past learning difficulties, her children through trials of life, or simply lending advice. She was a wise woman and often, to her children’s dismay, we found that mom was right.
Sam passed away in 1985. Betty continued to teach at the Ulm School until 1989 at which time shemoved to Great Falls. She continued to keep busy enjoying golf, trips, and companionship with Charles Wargo until his passing in 2005. She volunteered at the Great Falls Public Library twice a week in the Montana History Room from 1989 to 2004. She continued golfing for many years to keep walking for her health, continued learning by being an avid reader, and continued using the computer until her eyesight started to fail.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sisters; her husband, Samuel Payne; stepdaughter, Sharon Nichols; Sharon’s daughter, Laura; nephew, Jack Caldwell; sons, James “Jimmy” and Samuel Payne, II; sons-in-law, Leslie Trainer and David Christenson.
She is survived by her family, Linda (Leroy) Hunt and children, Tracy Trainer, Ted Hunt; Cindy Christenson and children Michelle Losing, Jody Christenson; Samuel’s children, Les, Joe and Josh Payne and daughter-in law, Darlene Payne; Daniel (Lori) Payne and children Danni Payne, Stormi Reichert, Spencer Payne; Mark (Wendy) Caldwell and children Jason, Ryan Caldwell, and Ashley Ragas; Larry (Pat) Caldwell and children, Dustin and Cody Caldwell; son-in-law, Skip Nicholls and children, Mike, Steve; Jack’s family, wife, Bev Caldwell and children, Christine Simpson, Kaylene Kershner, Carmen Madsen; and several great
grandchildren.
At Betty’s request no services are planned.
