Mary Payne

Mary Joyce Payne passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 surrounded by her loved ones at Larchwood Inns.

Joyce was born to Owen M Phillips and Julia Fasiano Phillips on 8/15/1929 at the original St Mary’s Hospital on 11th and Colorado in Grand Junction. She attended Lincoln Park Elementary, ST JOSEPH’S, and Grand Junction High School. She loved working on the GJHS 1947 class reunions. Joyce worked as the credit manager for Montgomery Wards for 9 years where she met the love of her life, Earl Payne. They married in Grand Junction on 8/7/1955. She worked at Home Loan Investment from 1962-1972. Joyce and Lee Sparn formed the first Cerebral Palsy Drive in Grand Junction earning more money than the whole state of Colorado. She served several years as the GJ City Association President.

She finally found her calling as a secretary at Bookcliff Middle School. She was amazing with the students and made some long lasting friends with the “Bookcliff Bunch.” After 23 years she retired in 1995.

Upon retirement, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved running her restaurant, Marv’s Stop N’ Eat, trips to Blackhawk, and bowling. At one time she was known as, “The best left handed bowler in GJ.” Also, she enjoyed working in her rose garden, classic movies, and was an avid reader.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Lee) Baxter, Julie (Jerry) Pitzer, Donna (Dahl) Aubert and son Steven Payne all of Grand Junction, CO. She had 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her sister Barbara Clauson.

Memorial service will be 3pm Friday, February 7, 2020

at Brown’s Funeral Home at

904 N 7th St Grand Junction, CO 81501 .

In leu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Hopewest Hospice at 3090B N 12 St. GJ; CO 81506 .

The family would like to thank the staff at Larchwood Inn and Dr Amy Mohler for all of the care, love, and dignity they showed her.

There will be a Celebration of life after the service at Bookcliff Country Club 2730 G Rd. GJ, CO 81506 .