Judith C. "Judy" Payton

Judith "Judy" C. (Smith Way) Payton, of Salem, Oregon, passed into glory on October 12th, at Salem Hospital.
Judy was born on October 3rd, 1944, in Ellensburg, WA, to Delma and Monroe Smith, who instilled in her a deep sense of family, faith, and kindness that guided her throughout her life. She carried those values into everything she did - as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Judy spent her early years growing up in Central Washington. The family moved to Salem, Oregon, and Judy graduated from North Salem High School in 1962. She went on to attend Oregon State University. She married Charles Way in 1964 and had two girls, Connie & Mechelle.
Judy had a long career with State Farm Insurance. While most of these years of service were spent in Salem, she also worked for two years in upstate New York and nine years in Greeley, Colorado, forming lifelong friendships that were cherished to the end.
Judy's warmth could fill any room, and while she was a practical person, her love for Christ and others knew no bounds. She found joy in the simple things: camping with the River City Good Sam Club, Bible study at Salem Evangelical, a hot cup of tea (but not too hot!), time spent with her family and friends, and the laughter of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John J. Payton, and her parents, Delma and Monroe Smith. Though she missed them dearly, she now joins them in God's peace.
Judy is survived by her daughters, Robin, Connie, and Mechelle; her son, Randall; and her brothers, Charles (Betty) and John (Lisa). She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Judy will also be deeply missed by her extended family and friends, who were blessed to share in her life.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th, at Salem Evangelical Church in the Hermiston Center at 455 Locust St NE, Salem, OR 97301. For those able to attend, please use the larger North parking lot and follow signage in the building to the Hermiston Center. Family and friends will gather to honor her memory and hear stories of the love she gave so freely.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Brenton and Martha Trent with CTEN Ministries, who serve in Oaxaca, Mexico.