Ellen Lorraine Payton, age 87, formerly of Fairfax and Tarkio, Missouri, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Mosaic Life Care, St. Joseph, Missouri.

 Ellen was born May 17, 1935, in Rock Port, Missouri. She was the daughter of the late Harry L. and Martha E. (Mason) Betzner.

She was united in marriage to David F. Payton December 25, 1950, in Julesburg, Colorado. To this union four children were born, David, Jr., Ruth, Daniel, and Richard.

Ellen was a member of the Fairfax Baptist Church. She was a born-again believer accepting Christ as a child at the age of seven years.

Preceding her in death were her parents; two sisters, Mary Wolfe and Lorita McKee; her husband, David Payton, Sr.; and one son, David Payton, Jr.

Survivors include daughter, Ruth Gebhards, Tarkio; sons, Daniel (Debbie) Payton, Elmo, Missouri, and Richard (Jan) Payton, Maryville, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Stephanie, Trey, Raymond Lee, Joni, Ellie, Jenny, Nick, and Kelsey;12 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and a host of other friends and loved ones.

Graveside services and burial were held Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at Walkup Grove Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to Walkup Grove Cemetery, c/o John Carter, 28542 Hawk Road, Maryville, MO 64468. Arrangements were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig. Online condolences may be left at www.andrewshannfuneralhome.com.