Carolyn Payne

Carolyn Nardyz Payne, 76, of Stilwell, KS passed away December 19, 2009 at home. She was born in Kansas City, MO, the oldest child of Thelma J. and Leo M. Nardyz. She was a life-long Kansas City area resident.

Carolyn graduated from Sunset Hill School in 1950. In her younger years, she was known as a vivacious, intelligent young woman who was an accomplished pianist and equestrian. She graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Kansas in 1954, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Chi Theta. She did her graduate work at UMKC in Education and taught elementary school for several years, first at Crestview School in Merriam, KS, then at Westwood School in Olathe.

She was a BOTAR in 1955; docent at the Nelson Art Gallery; Life Member of Kansas City Young Matrons; Charter Member of PEO, Chapter HL; member of Culture Class Club of Olathe (President, 1976-78, 1990-91); sustaining member of the Olathe Junior Service League (President 1969); and former member of the Board of Directors of the Olathe Public Library.

She was married to the love of her life and is survived by her husband of 51 years, retired attorney H. Thomas Payne. Carolyn was an extensive world traveler, enjoyed cooking and reading and was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She will be missed by family and friends, of which she had many, especially her three daughters, Melissa Schaffer (married to Timothy J. Schaffer), Kimberly Payne (married to Donald J. Popravak) and Catherine Payne; her sister Norma J. Heninger; her brother Mark L. Nardyz; and two grand-daughters, Sophie and Lilly Schaffer.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, December 23, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 14275 S Blackbob Rd., Olathe. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be given to the American Cancer Society.