Lucille C. Payton

Lucille C. Payton, 85, of Great Falls, Montana entered into God’s kingdom on November 5, 2022. She was born on June 25, 1937 to Eugene and Hazel Bonnet. She spent her youth on a ranch near Cut Bank, until her family moved to Valier in 1950. Lucille graduated from Valier High School in 1955 and attended Business School in Omaha, Nebraska.

She returned to Great Falls to work at Montana Flour Mill, where she met the love of her life, Gary Payton. They were married on December 29, 1956 and celebrated that special day for the next 65 years. Gary was drafted into the army in 1958, and they were stationed in Paris, France with a view of the Eiffel Tower.  Their return to the US took them to Spokane, WA, for a short time They returned to Great Falls which became their permanent home,  They were blessed with two wonderful children, Michael and Michelle.

Lucille was a beautiful seamstress. She fulfilled a lifelong dream of working with brides, opening The Brides Shoppe in 1970. Lucille was a successful business woman for 50+ years and an inspiration to her employees. Some of her best memories of the BS were outfitting brides from multiple generations, the camaraderie of the birthday and holiday parties, sponsoring the annual Bridal Extravaganza, and collecting baby clothes to send to needy mothers in Vietnam. Her legacy is passed on to her daughter Michelle who still owns The Bride’s Shoppe.

Lucille had a love of traveling, and she and Gary used their time-share to visit many wonderful places including Spain, Vietnam, Hawaii and their all-time favorite condo at Whitefish,  Cille also loved doing puzzles, playing the piano, sewing, reading her many cookbooks, spoiling her beloved cats and she was a voracious reader. She was constantly planning and dreaming up new ideas and the family often heard the words: “I’ve been thinking…..” Cille was always curious and eager to learn.. Family gatherings were important to Cille and she was a wonderful hostess. Cille was an active member in the Lutheran church and sang in the choir for many years.

Lucille is survived by her loving husband, Gary, son, Michael, daughter Michelle (Sanna), siblings Denis (Beverly) Bonnet of Aiken, SC, Genise (Wayne) Arnst of Gwinner, ND, and Vicki (Chuck) Hallingstad of Anacortes, WA, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents. Her sense of humor, loving heart and giving spirit will be greatly missed.

Services will be held on Friday, November 11, 11:00 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church – 1326 1st Ave N, Great Falls Montana with a luncheon to follow in the church basement. Memorial funds can be sent to: Our Savior’s Lutheran.  The service will be livestreamed at  the Our Savior's Lutheran Church website.   https://www.oslcgreatfalls.org/

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