Obituary of Lois Norine Morrisson Payne

Lois Norine Morrisson Payne Lois Norine Morrisson Payne, age 93, died February 16, 2012, at Puget Sound Healthcare Center in Olympia, to be greatly missed by her four children, 15 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren. “Multi-talented,” “fun-loving,” “caring,” “energetic.” and “adventuresome” are all words describing this remarkable woman. She was a Navy wife and mother. Her late husband, Stanley Noble Payne, served as a chief gunner’s mate before, during and after World War II, and two of their sons are navy veterans. She loved life on the water, quilting, gardening, traveling throughout the U.S. and to distant lands with husband Stan in their RV, a good political discussion, and singing the old songs around the piano. Born April 6, 1918 in Wray, Colorado, Lois moved to Olympia a decade later. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1936. Lois was a woman ahead of her time. Not only was she a secretary on the staff of Governor Albert Rosellini, but she also served as a Washington State Senate and Pollution Control Commission (pre-State Ecology Department) staff member, and in the 1960s, was a contractor constructing houses in the Olympia market. Her paint-splattered overalls marked her as a woman successful in a man’s game. Lois loved entertaining friends and family at her Eld Inlet shore-side home. She always stood ready to help friends in time of need. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto K. and Elen (Lepper) Morrisson; stepfather, Al Larsen; husband, Stan; sisters, Jean Payne and Frances Devaney; and her great grandson, Kristopher Payne. She is survived by her sons, Rodney Payne (Martha) of Olympia, Glen Payne (Janet) of Liberty Lake, Robert Payne (Janine Bogar) of Olympia; daughter, Mary Eldridge (Les) of Olympia; grandchildren, Jon (Jerri-Jo), Greg (Michelle), Keith (Pauli), Craig (Cindy), Wesley and Alan Payne, Kris Payne Futter (Ray), Mary Payne Sorger, Michelle Payne Fogg (Jeff), Stacey Robinson (Chad), Chase Greene (Kari), Jason and Tiffany Kalihi, and Pat and Katie Eldridge. Her 18 great grandchildren include, Katy, Sammi, Parker, Madeline, Korey, Kameron, Cameron, Midshipman Stephanie (USN), Jim, and the late Kristopher Payne, plus Alissa Sorger, Casey Patrick, Garret Fogg, Ramona and Roxanne Robinson, Walker and Shayd Greene, and Sidney Erin Smith. Lois is further survived by generations of nephews, nieces and cousins, all of whom will treasure the memory of their beloved “Auntie Lo.” An inurnment ceremony will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 6, 2012 at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Tumwater 98501. Memorial donations may be made to the Olympia Senior Center, the Washington Center for the Performing Arts or the Seattle Children’s Hospital. Much more on Lois’ life at loispayne.org, where friends and family may post recollections. There also is a slide show/video from Lois' 80th birthday on YouTube at