Barbara A. Payne

Barbara Anne Payne of Eaton Rapids passed away January 24, 2021 at the age of 75. Barb was born in Eaton Rapids on January 25, 1945, the daughter of Max and Dorotha (Sutton) Williams. She attended MSU, briefly worked as a nurse’s aide at the Eaton Rapids hospital and worked as a secretary with the VFW National Home. Barbara was a past president of the VFW Auxiliary Post #2046 in Charlotte, a member of the First United Methodist Church, and she loved music. She had a beautiful voice that she shared with the community for many years. Barbara was in the Eaton Rapids Festival Choir, the Women’s Choir at church and the Steiner Chorale Choir in Lansing. She also loved the theatre, acting in numerous plays with the Eaton Rapids Community Theatre. 
Barbara is survived by her sons, Bert Payne Jr. of Eaton Rapids, andChristopher (Diane) Payne of Ariz.; grandchildren, Bert A. Payne, Trisha Payne, Christopher Payne Jr., and Julia Rivera; and sister, Jayne Stucky. She was preceded in death by her parents. 
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the music program at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main Street, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. Please visit their website to place online condolences at MillsFuneral.com.