Elizabeth Emma Paynton

Lt. Elizabeth Emma (Patz) PAYNTON Died April 15 in Seattle. Elizabeth was born May 14, 1917 in Meadville, Pennsylvania, the eighth child of Gottlieb and Emma Patz. The family soon moved to Millvale, where Elizabeth spent her youth. She attended Western College for Women in Ohio, and afterward, despite the dire circumstances of the Great Depression, was appointed to several clerical positions in the Pittsburgh area, culminating with her selection as secretary to Senator James Geltz in the Pennsylvania General Assembly in Harrisburg. When the United States Army initiated the Women's Army Corps at the start of World War II, Elizabeth applied, and survived a grueling application process to become one of the country's first commissioned woman army officers. Lieutenant Patz was stationed in Boston, Fort Oglethorp, Georgia, and March Field, California. Her duties included managing recruiting efforts and overseeing logistics and food services. She was serving in the latter capacity at Hamilton Field in California when she met her future husband, Maj. George D. Paynton. After a whirlwind romance, the two were married July 11, 1945 in San Rafael. The couple moved to Seattle following the war and made their home in Wallingford. Four children were born to Elizabeth and George, and the family moved to Magnolia in 1955. Elizabeth completed her education at the University of Washington on the G.I. Bill, and became a career administrator in Group Health Cooperative, retiring in 1979. Despite her busy home life, Elizabeth found time to volunteer for many causes, including foster parenting, summer youth music camps, and the American Cancer Society. The Payntons were members of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Magnolia, and Elizabeth worked tirelessly in the CCD (religious education) program and the Lucia Guild. The couple enjoyed travel and made numerous trips to Europe in retirement, once spending six months residing in Alumuñécar, Spain. Eight years after George died in 1989, Elizabeth moved to University House, back to Wallingford. She served as President of the Resident Council, spearheaded the creation of biography books, and led the play reading group during her 14 years of residence there. She continued to travel to locations as diverse as Russia and New Zealand, and was an avid patron of the arts. Ever witty, and a brilliant conversationalist, Elizabeth was always eager to welcome friends and family to her home and to share a meal together. Besides her husband, Elizabeth was predeceased by their infant son, Franklin. Surviving her are Virginia (Ginni) Keith, daughter, and her husband Rick Strachan of Lopez Island, son James Paynton and wife Margaret of West Seattle, and daughter Valerie Paynton Navarro formerly of Tacoma and currently of Prague, and Daniel Erickson. She is survived by three grandchildren: Mary Schaff and husband Tracy of Fife; Matthew Paynton and wife Diane of Bothell; and Mia Wells, husband Joel, and great-granddaughter Adaline Wells of Tacoma. Elizabeth also leaves her older sister, Theresa Gray of Manlius, New York, a bonus granddaughter Alicia Zachary-Erickson, a host of loving nieces and nephews across the country, and many dedicated friends and admirers. A memorial mass for Elizabeth will be held Tuesday evening, April 19 at 7:00 PM at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Wallingford, followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. The family suggests donations in Elizabeth's name to the Group Health Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or that you volunteer an hour of your time to the charity of your choice.