Patricia Ann Payne

Patricia Ann Payne "Patsy" (Meyer) passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023, after battling cancer. Patsy was born in Ekalaka on April 6, 1931, in the front seat of the family ranch truck on the way to the hospital. She was born into the local ranching community and attended high school in Ekalaka, graduating as a proud Bulldog in 1949.

Patsy moved to Billings where she earned an associate degree in business administration. On a cold day shortly after graduation, it was about minus 38 degrees, Patsy and her closest girlfriend said enough, and purchased bus tickets to Southern California. She wanted warmer temperatures and an opportunity to eventually become an executive secretary, which she excelled at during her life, working for several CEOs and presidents of private companies. She married Dick Grider, an airline pilot and moved to Amsterdam for several years. Upon returning to the US, they moved back to Southern California, and when she and Dick divorced, she continued her professional career. She married Sam McGinnis, who passed away. In 1972, Patsy worked as the executive secretary for an engineering firm and soon after met the love of her life, John Ritchie Payne, an agricultural and irrigation engineer. Patsy and Ritchie dated for almost ten years and married in 1982, settling in South Pasadena, California.

As a member of the South Pasadena Woman's Club: #1 Patsy was the treasurer for 30 years. #2 She took over the kitchen preparing homemade meals for over 100 at a time, and wouldn't you know it, they would always come back for more! #3 SPWC Philanthropic services was gifted by her talent and time in sewing & knitting blankets and such for the under privileged kids and veterans. Also sewing 100s of pillows for cancer patients. #4 CA State Senator Portantino recognized Patsy with a plaque for her tireless work sewing 1500+ masks during COVID19 for local businesses and entities. She also sent masks to Montana to be given to those in need.

Patsy's other love was her house and garden. She worked in her garden with Ritchie until her last days, spending time in her backyard in the warm southern California climate. Over the years there were the poodles- they were their children - Shadow and Cognac. Patsy will be greatly missed, and the loss is profound. Living and growing up in Ekalaka was the main reason why Patsy was such a great person and it helped make California a better place. She was a beacon to her friends and family, and a warm, loving person in the local community because of her Montana upbringing. Patsy read the Ekalaka Eagle each week to keep up with her Montana friends and family.

Patsy is survived by her husband John Ritchie Payne, her sisters Betty McLaughlin in Helena, Connie Pelican in Billings, her brother Chester (Rona) Meyer at the Family Ranch, sister-in-law Shirley Meyer and a passel of nieces and nephews. Patsy is preceded by her parents Chester and Anna (Markuson) Meyer, her brother Coleman Meyer, husband, Sam McGinnis.

Hospice was with her in her last days & "Shorty" was holding Ritchie's hand when she took her final breath. Rest in peace Patsy. There will be no formal service per Patsy's request.