Shirley Gene Schambach

Shirley Gene (Payne) Schambach, age 97, of Manson, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, January 20, 2026, with her husband by her side. Having lived a full and adventurous life, Shirley embraced every chapter with grace, creativity, and love.

Born on December 10, 1928, in Hitchcock, South Dakota, she was the daughter of Frank and Mabelle (Willis) Payne.

From an early age, Shirley showed a natural talent for art. She fondly remembered a special box her father made to hold her childhood drawings and handmade paper outfits. After graduating from Shenandoah High School, she attended Simpson College, where she became a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. While there, she designed her first outfit-a three-piece suit-that would spark her lifelong career in fashion design.

Her professional journey began at Younkers, where she worked as a designer during her summer breaks. Following her graduation from Simpson College, Shirley continued her education at the Whitney School of Art in New Hampshire and later at the Traphagen School of Fashion in New York City. While living in New York, she was hired as a designer for Flair in Miami, Florida, where she fulfilled her dream of producing live fashion shows.

After the birth of her daughter, Cindy, Shirley approached single parenthood with the same determination and creativity that guided her career. She worked as a waitress for 25 years, forming meaningful relationships along the way. Her interest in real estate grew during that time, leading her to become a broker and open her own company, Sure Sale, Inc.

Looking toward retirement, Shirley moved closer to her daughter and purchased a beautiful lakefront home in North Carolina, where she opened a bed and breakfast. She later expanded the property with several cabins-creating a welcoming space filled with charm and character.

It was during this chapter of her life that Shirley met the love of her life, Gary Schambach. The two were married on January 1, 2018, on a picture-perfect snowy day surrounded by family and friends. Together, they transformed her bed and breakfast into a thriving RV park, which continues to operate today, along with an Airbnb rental. Their years together were filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures.

Shirley's zest for life never waned. She worked well into her later years, always filled with energy, optimism, and purpose. Known for her spunk, courage, and love of adventure, she turned every challenge into an opportunity and every day into a gift. Her legacy lives on through her stories, her art, and the memoirs she lovingly wrote for her daughter.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mabelle Payne; her sister and brother-in-law, Beulah "Bea" and Bill Daub; and her brother-in-law, Richard Andrew.

She is survived by her husband, Gary Schambach; her daughter, Cindy Payne of Charlottesville, Virginia; her sister, Fern Andrew of Des Moines, Iowa; stepson Adam Schambach (Tara) of Raleigh, North Carolina; stepdaughter Genevieve Boulanger (Andrew) of Huntington, North Carolina; grandchildren Annabelle, Charlotte, Stella, and Jack; brothers- and sisters-in-law Lee and Mahtab Schambach; Bernice and Fred Culbertson; and David and Melissa Schambach; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to:

Cindy Payne

1541 Primrose Lane

Charlottesville, VA 22902