Mary Lou Payne

Mary Lou passed after many health problems and struggles this past year. Which she handled with grace and determination. Mary Lou was born in Cleveland Ohio, the daughter of Leslie and Mary Reid Seely. The family moved to Newfield in 1932, where Mary Lou lived her entire life. Mary Lou graduated from Newfield Central School on June 27, 1949. Mary Lou and Leon Payne were married July 13, 1951, and were married for 67 years when Leon passed in 2018. Mary Lou is survived by her son, Larry (Patti), her daughter, Patti Payne Clodfelter (Benny). She also leaves behind 5 grandchildren: Sherri Gallimore (Chad), Brian Clodfelter, Bradley Clodfelter (Robin), Brandon Clodfelter, Barrett Clodfelter (Haley), 11 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou loved her community, she worked with 4-H groups, judged at the 4-H fairs, judging vegetables, fruits, flowers. Mary Lou worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension for many years. She also was a Master Gardener and freely shared her love and knowledge of plants with others.
Mary Lou taught classes on wreath making, cake decorating, dehydrating fruits and vegetables. She shared her love of sewing and quilt making with many. Mary Lou continued to can food even in her wheelchair, one week prior to falling and fracturing her back. She had a can-do attitude that kept her going. Born in the depression era, she knew short cuts to living well. She even taught a class on the depression era cooking.
Mary Lou and Leon worked on their family farm until 1989. You could often hear Mary Lou singing hymns in the milk house while she washed milkers. Mary Lou was an excellent cook. Sharing food and recipes. Pies were her choice to make for Senior Citizen dinners.
Growing up on the farm it was the standing rule if you wanted to eat, you needed to work first. No one went hungry! And if you were lucky, she made something you liked.
Mary Lou held jobs outside the home and farm. Her favorite was as a cafeteria lady at Newfield Central School. She loved being with the kids.
Mary Lou had the privilege to be Grand Marshall at the Newfield Old Home Day parade in July 2024. Thank you to all the Staff.
There will be visitation and a funeral service, Saturday, October 19th, at the Newfield Methodist Church. The visitation beginning at 3:00 pm and funeral at 4:00 pm.
If anyone would like to honor Mary Lou with a donation to any church or organization special to your heart.