Dorothy Payton
Columbus
Dorothy Jo Payton, 79, of Columbus, Indiana, and formerly of Martinsville, passed unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at the Columbus Regional Hospital with her loving family by her side. She was born in Vincennes, Indiana, on July 26, 1937, to the late Harold Vernon and Lanora Mae (Karns) McClean.
Dorothy spent her younger years in Vincennes before moving to Columbus, Indiana and eventually moving to Hope, Indiana, where she graduated high school. On November 20, 1958, she married her soulmate, Thomas Marshall Payton. The two moved around Indiana for a few years before settling in Morgan County and making Martinsville their home.
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Shortly after high school, Dorothy attended nursing school at General Hospital in Indianapolis and received her degree as a registered nurse. She was the chief technician of the cardiovascular cath lab at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Above all, Dorothy was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother who took pride and pleasure in being a homemaker, parent and caregiver. She was an avid reader who enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, Westerns and good conversation. Dorothy also had a love for animals, most especially her beloved dog, Baby, and deceased dog, Max.
She will be missed deeply by her loving family and friends including her two sons, Eric Payton (wife, Adrienne) of New Bern, North Carolina and Woody Payton of Lusby, Maryland; daughter, Nancy Havonec (husband, Frank Vanderharr) of Lincoln, Nebraska; sisters, Carol Cooper (husband, Don) of Columbus, Indiana, Ruth Ann Andis of Paoli, Indiana and Pat Beauford (husband, Mf) of Illinois; six grandchildren, Jessica and Bobby Havonec, Delaney Ismail, Madeleine, Alex and Marshall Payton; and one great-grandson, Carmen Ismail.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents and adored husband, Thomas Payton, on April 24, 2009.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Saturday, July 15, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. The Rev. Keenan Steinway will conduct a service celebrating Dorothy’s life on Saturday at the funeral home beginning at 2 p.m. and she will be laid to rest following the service in New South Park Cemetery, Martinsville.
Condolences, memories and photographs can be shared with the family at www.nealandsummers.com.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to your local Humane Society in memory of Dorothy.
