Shirley Yvonne Payne

Shirley Yvonne Payne, 87, passed away July 28, 2023, in Bozeman, MT after a long battle with dementia.

Shirley was born January 19, 1936, in Livingston, MT to Delta Maude (Miller) Stiefel and Ira Stiefel. Shirley was proud of attending North Side School, now Yellowstone Gateway Museum, where she graduated from the 8th grade.

Shirley married the love of her life, Richard Payne, on August 13, 1952. A marriage that would last 61 years. They had three children, Dick Jr., Jerry and Anna.  Shirley was a stay at home mom, raising and chasing kids. They had many camping trips up Tom Miner Basin with good friends. Shirley and Dick Sr. loved going on road trips to Las Vegas in their old cars with friends. She was also on the local pool league with her daughter Anna, where she was a regular pool shark. She was extremely proud of the home she and Dick built themselves and it was always beautifully kept. She loved spending time with her five grandsons and one granddaughter and was very proud of them.

In her later years, Shirley and Dick went South for the winter. Mom loved it down there, the warm weather, the good friends they met up with each year, the socializing, card games, potlucks, etc. While there, Mom and Dad played music for the campground dances every Saturday night. They were enjoyed wherever they traveled.

The last years at home she will be remembered for her toy box for the great grandchildren and the endless supply of cookies she handed out. Shirley will be greatly missed by all.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Dick Payne Sr, Daughter Anna Lynch, her parents, four sisters; Opal, Florence, Fay and Ona, Two brothers; Lester and Russell and grandson Richard Payne III.

Shirley is survived by her sons; Richard Payne Jr. (Susan) and Friar Jerry Payne, Five grandchildren; Amber Payne, Andy (Tami) Payne, Nick (Kora) Payne, John (Brittney) Schaefer and Jim (Cortnee) Stipp, Fourteen great grandchildren; Makayla, Gabe, Hope, Karlie, Exzavier, Lincoln, Braden, Athena, James, Aiden, Braxtyn, Kinley, Hayden and Lauryl, Two great great grandchildren, Doni and Avalyn, Her sister Sheila and numerous nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank the staff of Hamilton House of Bozeman for the care Shirley received.

All are welcome to attend a graveside service that will be held on August 11, 2023, at 11:00 am at Strickland Cemetery on Old Yellowstone Trail. A luncheon will immediately follow at Living Hope Church.

Cards and letters may be sent to Shirley Payne, PO Box 352, Clyde Park, MT 59018.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Shirley’s name to the Park County Senior Center.