Funeral services of Edna J. Payne, 79, of Estherville, were held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, with Pastor Doug Burton officiating at the Henry-Olson Funeral Chapel in Estherville. She passed away surrounded by her family on Feb. 2, 2024, at Aspire Nursing Home in Estherville.
Visitation was held Tuesday at the funeral home.
Edna Joan Payne, was born on May 7, 1944, in Estherville, Iowa to William and Margaret (Anderson) Loftis.
Edna graduated from LaGrand High School in 1964, where she was on the homecoming court and played basketball. She was united in marriage to Jerry Payne in 1964. The couple moved around the state of Iowa with Jerry’s railroad job. Edna stayed at home and raised their children. After Edna and Jerry divorced, Edna continued to live in Iowa Falls. She then moved to Red Oak and worked for the Iowa Work Force. She loved helping people and helping them to find their place in the world. She returned to Estherville to live her final days near her children. She loved to spend her days with her dog, Goldie.
Edna was a member of the Moose Lodge. She was passionate about her family, dedicating her life to taking care of each generation. Edna was a proud descendant of Sitting Bull. She enjoyed listening and dancing to all music, but especially Native American. Edna was a ball of fire, and always rooted for the underdog. She was compassionate about assisting the less fortunate, especially the elderly. Edna enjoyed teaching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren new things each and every day. They enjoyed singing, dancing, and doing art projects together. She enjoyed playing scratch tickets. Art was a calming aspect of Edna’s life, she created many drawings and paintings.
Edna is survived by her children MaryJo Schebaum, Susan (Tommy) Haas, Sherri (Scott) Williams, Billy Payne, Nate (Sara) Payne, Chasity (Kevin) TePoel, and Sheah (Jeremy Liford) Reed; grandchildren Bre Ahna (Patrick) Boggess, Bailey Grace (Christian) Gonzales, Chance Williams, McKenna (Hunter Jensen) Raska, Belinda Robinson, Jerry Payne, Natasha Payne, Raven Westphal, and Harmony Payne; great grandchildren Codie (Lexi), Ashlynn, Tymberlee, Karsen, Kaydence, Raelissah, Praylee, Dominic, Charlie, Maxwell, Raegan, Rylee, Ava, and Maggie. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Diane Loftis, brother-in-law Clifford Peta, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Edna is preceded in death by her parents William (Carolyn) Loftis and Margaret Loftis, her siblings Jean Peta, Jim Loftis, and Wanda Farnes, and her nephews Jim Huffman, Travis Loftis, and Jake Loftis.
Online condolences may be left for Edna’s family at HenryOlsonFuneral.com.
