Melba E. "Granny" Payne loved working with her hands; hand piecing quilts was one of her favorite things to do. Mrs. Payne had a love for her great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren like no other; she would watch them anytime she could. She especially liked going to all of their sporting events. Something Mrs. Payne loved to do was go out to eat. If someone asked to go eat she was up dressed, and ready to load up and head out. Although she didn't have a driver license she would always find someone to ride with. In her spare time she would watch TV but it was mainly to watch sports, she loved the Cowboys and Texas Rangers.

Surviving Mrs. Payne are her daughter, Linda Hill and spouse, Billy; son, David Payne and spouse, Pamela; two brothers, Johnny Bueche, and Tommy Bueche and spouse, Margie Fuegler; sister, Connie Burrel; grandchildren, Susan Fitzgerald and spouse, Robert, Cathy Dickerson and Andy Hall, Kenneth Hill and spouse, Stacy, and Michael Payne and spouse, Amanda; great-grandchildren, Brian Fitzgerald and spouse, Courtney, Dustin Fitzgerald and spouse, Kelsey, Brandon Fitzgerald and Hayley Harris, Cameron Hill and spouse, Callie, Darbi Hill and Austin Payne;  great-great-grandchildren, Kinley Fitzgerald, Brecken Fitzgerald, Emerson Fitzgerald, Mila Fitzgerald, Layton Fancher, and Lillian Smith. Also left to cherish her memory are numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family and friends.

Proceeding Mrs. Payne in death are her loving husband, Rex Payne; both of her parents; son, Michael Payne; two brothers; and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers the family of Melba Emily Payne has requested all donations be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital.