Laura L. Payne

1945 - 2025

Laura L. "Lee" (Tranquilla) Payne, 80, of Latrobe, passed away Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Easy Living Country Estates, Hunker. Born Sept. 10, 1945, in Latrobe, she was the daughter of the late Paul Tranquilla and Jean (Johnstone) Tranquilla. Lee was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Latrobe. Prior to her retirement in 2018, she had been employed at Evaluator Services with 30 years of service and had also been employed at the Latrobe Bulletin. She enjoyed photography, but most of all spending time with her family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard L. Payne Jr.; one brother, Robert J. Tranquilla; and one sister, Dolores Banner. Lee is survived by her five children, Pam Mickinak (Rob) of Latrobe, Cindy Porterfield (Gene) of Greensburg, Howard Payne of Latrobe, Greg Payne (Beth) of Latrobe, and Bruce Payne of Latrobe; 10 grandchildren, Marlana Mickinak, Amanda Mickinak, Rob Mickinak, Abbey Williams, Camdon Porterfield (Deanna), Heather Brinker, Eric Payne (Paige), Caleb Payne, Nick Nelson (Chelsea), and Nikayla Yasurek (Jeff); four great-grandchildren, Charli, Benjamin, Octavia, and Torvi; two sisters, Paulette Tranquilla of Latrobe and Patricia "Midge" Stein of Derry; sister-in-law, Kathy Payne, of Derry; and she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, at LOPATICH-BRINKER FUNERAL HOME LLC, 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Latrobe. Interment will follow at Unity Cemetery. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit www.lopatichbrinker.com.