Ruth Ann Payne

After several months of declining health, Ruth Ann Payne, 86, of Sebring, FL, passed away peacefully on the morning of September 3, 2020.

Ruth Ann was born in Plattsburgh, New York, to Charles Julius and Alma (Martineau) Ricketts on August 4, 1934. She graduated from Plattsburgh High School in the class of 1953.  On October 10, 1954, she married Jay Clinton Payne in her hometown.

Ruth Ann followed her husband's work, living in many towns across Upstate New York, central Pennsylvania and finally retiring in White River Junction, VT. After retirement in 1995, they returned to summer in her husband's hometown of West Chazy, NY. They wintered in Sebring, FL, starting in 1997, and eventually became full-time residents.

Ruth Ann was highly regarded in her community. Her greatest joy was socializing and she enjoyed playing golf. She was a member of Spring Lake Women's Golf Association for 17 years. She regularly extended hospitality to newcomers and enjoyed the company of many friends.

Ruth Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Charles Arthur Ricketts, and her sister, Martha Jacqueline Leeman.

Ruth Ann is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jay Clinton Payne of Sebring, FL; two sons, Jeffrey Jay Payne (Doreen), of Lancaster, NY, and Mark Ward Payne (Laura); of Panama City, FL, and by two daughters, Jennifer Guarino of Spring Hill, TN, and Mary Beth (Tim) Smith of Alum Bank, PA. Also surviving are many dear friends, 11 great-grandchildren; 4 grandsons: Scott J. Payne of Lancaster, NY; John Lewis Payne of Marietta, GA; Jay Carl Smith of Bedford, PA; and James Joseph Guarino of Brentwood, TN.  And 5 granddaughters: Melissa Smith of Lancaster, NY; Leighton Winship of Greenville, SC; Anna Marie Guarino of Smyrna, TN, Sara Beth Wayde of Alum Bank, PA, and Lea A. Guarino of Spring Hill, TN.

A memorial service will be held at a later date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, 5887 US Highway 98, Sebring, FL 33876.   The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude for the excellent care given by L-N-S In-Home Care of Lake Placid, FL, and by Good Shepherd Hospice of Sebring, FL.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870

Online condolences may be left at:

www.stephensonnelsonfh.com