Verna Payne

1927 - 2024

Verna Tooth Payne

1927 ~ 2024

- On a brisk February morning in Centerfield, UT, Verna made her way into the world as the fourth of five daughters born to Glen and Talitha Tooth. Verna loved growing up in a small town. She learned to work as hard as she played. She always enjoyed working outside better than doing housework. If she got to go to the mountains with her dad after a load of poles, it was the highlight of the summer. Verna graduated from Gunnison Valley High in 1945, the year that WWII ended. She immediately went to work at the Ford Motor Company in Centerfield, as the bookkeeper and salesgirl, where she worked for two years. It was while she was working there, that she met Versel Payne, just home from his service in the war and needing repairs on his car. The only money Versel had to pay for the repair was an uncashed check from the service. She wasn't able to cash the check, so Verna loaned him the money instead. The two were married in 1947 and moved up to Salt Lake City to find work. They bought their home in Murray in 1950 and never moved from their corner of Hansen Circle. Verna and Versel were blessed with 2 daughters: Kathleen and Lynda and later with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. They were married for nearly 58 years, never leaving each other without a quick kiss goodbye.

Verna worked for Murray City for 24 years, retiring in 1987. Retirement didn't slow her down. Verna liked to stay busy and involved. As a faithful member of the LDS Church she filled much of her time with various church callings. One she particularly enjoyed was sports and camp, especially the camping part. She served in both Ward and Stake Family History for many years. She also enjoyed her calling at the Jordan River Temple, where she spent her Friday nights for nearly 9 years working the sealing office. Verna loved Family History work; she did the research and temple work for numerous family members. She compiled the family histories for both herself and Versel, tracing their lineage as far back as the 1600's. Verna was also an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. Verna had many hobbies including gardening, sewing, oil painting, and reading western novels. Her true passion though was bowling. She loved to bowl! She and Versel started bowling back in the late 60's and she continued to bowl on a league until she was 86 years old.

Verna is fondly remembered for her bright smile, that brought a twinkle to her eye. For the time spent with family on long drives and camping trips. Teaching her grandkids how to play poker and rummy, and how to tie a quilt. Long talks at the kitchen table telling stories of her life, playing games, and sharing her fresh baked bread or hard candy. She will be greatly missed.

Verna is survived by her daughters Kathleen and Lynda, her sister Glenna. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Versel E. Payne, her parents Glen and Talitha Tooth, and sisters: Mitzi, Gladys, and Helen.

Verna will be laid to rest beside Versel at Larkin Sunset Gardens following a viewing at the Hillside Ward building, 495 East 5600 South, in Murray, at 10:00 am and a graveside service at 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.

Our family would also like to thank Carrington Court Memory Care in South Jordan for the love they have shown Grandma in this last year of her life.