Diane Payne Obituary
Diane is survived by her children, Lisa Heswall (Deane), Monty Payne (Kristen), and her grandchildren, Melissa, Morgan, Matthew, Anika, Tegan, Kaylee, and Jack. A brother the late Richard (Barbara) Payne as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Diane had a great love of the outdoors, including scuba diving, waterskiing, snow skiing, and swimming. She often said she was "born with chalk dust in her veins," alluding to her lifelong devotion and love of teaching. Diane loved her family, the precious dogs she welcomed into her home over the years, and, above all else, the Lord.
A memorial services will be held on Friday, November 14th, 2025, at 11:00 am at Christ Church Lake Forest, 100 N Waukegan Road, Lake Forest, IL with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Diane's name to North Star Classical Christian School and ASPCA.
https://www.nsclassical.com/
https://www.aspca.org/
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Kim Dickman
November 14, 2025
I joined Mrs Payne´s kindergarten class halfway through the year, but she welcomed me in to her flock as if I´d always been there. Her messages to be a fruit of the spirit, love one another and have self control (cue the shoulder pats) led me through my school years and into adulthood. She was a cornerstone for my relationship with God and also forged lasting friendships that I have to this day. I´ll miss her snack tests "let me just make sure they aren´t poison", hugs and her laugh. I know she is receiving her reward and well-done as a faithful servant, but is missed by all.
Renee Dickman
November 14, 2025
Monty and Lisa, our sympathy and prayers are with you and your families. Our family loved Mrs. Payne and we still refer to her often. She was loving funny and so wise. She was the loving recipient of our dog Lucky which she quickly rename to Rocky. He loved her and stayed by her side, just as our thoughts have all these years. We often refer to her use of the control rug, the self-control hug and ask where our glasses are. She has left an indelible mark on me as a mom, and my four daughters as they are now moms in charge of little lives. We will think of her often and remember her always. We look forward to the day when we will see her again in the presence our heavenly Father. I have no doubt that the words she heard from our Lord and Savior when she entered heaven were "well done, good and faithful servant".
Renee Dickman
Gary and Cathy Ballenger
November 14, 2025
For well over 40 years Diane and her children were a household name that we loved and cherished. She was the sole reason we put our children into CHA starting in kindergarten. Best decision we ever made. From bible studies together, to Amy Grant concerts our dear friend will be missed on earth, but we are blessed to know we will be together again one day with our Lord.
To Lisa and Monty, take pride in your mother´s legacy, her love she gave to you and sooooo many young children. We love you and we are sorry we won´t be able to celebrate her life today with you as we now live in NW Arkansas.
Gary, Cathy, Jonathan, Lisa, and Peter Ballenger.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Take comfort in this word.
Rita
November 13, 2025
So sorry for your loss sending my condolences. Your mom will truly be missed.
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andrea mclennan
November 13, 2025
there was a boy in my sons class that was having trouble with math. One of the kids said Mrs Payne why doesnt he understand it ? she quickly answered. His cannon hasnt gone off. She was right: He graduated 2nd in his high school graduation!
Kari Amundson
November 3, 2025
Dearest Lisa, Monty and family. I cherished the day I met your beautiful Mom. She exuded love, passion and warmth. She taught me so much about the Lord. She had such a sparkle in her eye and heart. Oh how she adored you two. You meant the world to her. She also lit up when she spoke about her students.
May our Father to continue to comfort all who mourn the earthly Diane.
She now is soaring with the love of her life. Much love to all
Carol Richards
November 3, 2025
Diane was a wonderful woman that our family was blessed to have known. She had a beautiful smile, told wonderful stories and loved life (especially my brother-in-law, her son Monty).
She will be missed . The Richards Family
Chris McQueen
October 31, 2025
Dear dear friend and fellow child of God. Thank you Lord for Diane´s life, I know You have her securely in your arms. Di, we did have fun!
Your sweet ministry at CHA blessed our family.
Chris McQueen
Jackie Gillaspie (Houriet)
October 30, 2025
Mrs. Payne was my kindergarten teacher at CHA and left a lasting impression on me! She was so kind and full of love for her students and that has not been forgotten all these years later. I´ll remember her birthday "spankings" in class, the way she laughed, and how she called students her "lambs" and "wandering good feelings". I pray for comfort for her family as they grieve their loss, and thank you for sharing her with her students!
Lisa Ballenger-Petitte
October 30, 2025
Mrs. Payne was my kindergarten teacher and the absolute best start to a long educational endeavor which would eventually lead to a Masters degree. I can still recite the poem she made us memorize All Things Bright and Beautiful from memory. I still can sing "Blue Bird through my window" and find two pair of arms to go under. I met my dearest friend the first day of her class who I am proud to say I am still inseparable with 32 years later. Annie and I speak about her often, and laughed just last week about the control rug when someone was misbehaving. She gave you hugs and always reminded us of the fruits of the Spirit. I remember her hair and her laugh. She always had the best volume. She will be dearly missed and was thought of often. All the Ballenger children loved her and I know Jesus didn´t hug her but held tight her when she got to Heaven. She was a treasure - Lisa Ballenger (37)
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