Florence Payne

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, Florence Norene Payne died peacefully early, March 26th, 2016, just before her 96th birthday. She returned to the arms of her husband, and many others who were joyfully awaiting her arrival. Norene was born on April 9, 1920 in Hurricane Utah to Robert and Rosalie Cornelius Stratton who were original pioneers. She married her sweetheart, Arnold Payne on January 8, 1948, in the Manti Temple "blue room". She was known for her tender care of all she came in contact with and was deeply loved by so many people in this life. Norene was a talented dancer and excelled in tap dancing. She was a lead in Opera and sang for many events. She was a quick learner and performed often. Music was a natural fit for her and she loved the refined and cultured things of life. Norene went to California during WW 2 to serve in the war factories building B-29 and P-38 bombers. Most of the young men that she knew were serving in the war and she wanted to help bring them home. She was definitely a great representative of the "greatest generation". Norene attended college in Cedar City studying to be an educator and performed many times in musical events. She worked as an office manager, dental assistant, and at the VA's office (where she met Arnold). She devoted her life to serving others, and being a wonderful mother, confidant, teacher and friend to all who came her way. She became an expert gardener, genealogist and seamstress. Norene had a talent for bearing one another's burdens and acknowledged the value of each individual. She was a stabilizing force in the lives of many. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lovingly fulfilled many Church callings including being the quilting chairman of her ward for 30 years. Her testimony and faith were sure and she had decided at a young age what kind of person she wanted to be and she became that pure person. Preceded in death by her parents, 5 brothers and 2 sisters, her loving husband, Arnold Payne, and their precious daughter, Tauna Jean Johnson (Jim) and grandson, Nathan Rogers. She is survived by her children: Susan Rogers (Paul), John Arnold Payne (Tammy), and Tami Shahan (Stan). She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, April 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah. Viewings will be held Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 8 pm and prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the same location. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery. Afterwards, a family luncheon will be held at the Oakhills 7th ward Chapel, 1038 North 1200 East, Provo, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.SundbergOlpinMortuary.com

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