Phyllis I. Payne

Phyllis I. Payne, age 88, of Lancaster died Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Orchard Manor Nursing Home, rural Lancaster. She was born on September 27, 1919 in Wyalusing Township, WI, the daughter of Abraham and Elma (Woodman) Key. Phyllis attended Brodtville Grade School and Brunson country school. She graduated from Patch Grove High School, where she was an avid student and excelled in all subjects. She moved to Lancaster in 1938, and on August 18, 1940 married Bernard Bernie Payne. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1997. For more than thirty years, she was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. During most of that time, she served in the role of chief clerk/chief program assistant for the Grant County USDA office. Phyllis enjoyed her work greatly, had a distinguished work record, and was widely known and respected by farmers throughout the area for her efficiency and dedication. She retired in 1981. Following the death of her husband, she took over his advertising business and managed it for many years.

Phyllis loved living in the community of Lancaster and took great pleasure in meticulously maintaining her beautiful old home on Elm Street. She was a member of the United Methodist Church and was blessed with many special friends, neighbors, and relatives. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her son, Douglas Payne, Junction City; her daughter Cheryl (Michael) Murphy, Green Bay; her sister, Lucille (Lyle) Bellrichard, Lancaster; three granddaughters: Dawn Byrum, Waupaca; Nissa Rasmussen, New York City; and Chelsea Rasmussen-Collins, Los Angeles; her great-granddaughter, Amanda Byrum; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Virgil, Kenneth, Keith, and Russell Key; and her sisters: Ivanelle Murray and Laura Key.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Reverend Barbara Cook officiating. Burial was in Prairie Cemetery, Fennimore. Friends called on Tuesday from 12:00 noon until the time of services at the funeral home.