BOONE, Iowa—Louise Elizabeth Payton, age 92, of Boone and long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church, died peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Eastern Star Masonic Home. Her wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of life to be held later.
Louise was born on February 7, 1931, in Canistota, South Dakota, to William J. and Violet M. (Bellack) Wendland. Louise grew up on a farm in South Dakota, with four brothers and one sister. She married Lyle Eugene Payton, of South Dakota, on July 22, 1950. They lived together in South Dakota for three years, in a 33-foot mobile home, with their first two children. In 1953 they moved to Iowa and subsequently settled in Boone in 1963, where they were active in the community and raised their five children.
After her youngest child started school, in 1967, Louise began working at the Boone High School Library and worked there until 1974. She then worked for the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) – Boone Campus as a Library Technician until she retired in 1989. She was a respected member and resource to the DMACC staff. Some of her fondest memories of DMACC were through the stories she told when she chaperoned choir trips to New York City and mentored work study students. The college honored her when she retired in May by obtaining a proclamation from the Boone Mayor stating May 3, 1989 as “Louise Payton Day” because of her many contributions to the community.
Upon their retirement in 1989, Louise and Lyle immediately left for an eight-week dream RV trip to Alaska. Their adventures continued over the next 17 years as they enjoyed traveling and exploring all 50 states, taking cruises with family, visiting friends and family and wintering for 12 years in Arizona. She enjoyed spending time gardening, quilting, volunteering for the First Presbyterian Church and the Boone County Hospital, and working as a docent at Mamie Doud Eisenhower Birthplace. While in Arizona, she enjoyed participating in charity quilting mega events as well as setting up the library at the Golden Vista RV Resort in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband Lyle and one great grandchild Raegan Payton Headla and other family members.
Louise is survived by her children: Lynda (Rich) Schuler of Mesa, Arizona; Cindy (Mike) Marquardt of Eldridge, Iowa; Jeanne (Mark) Eibes of Bella Vista, Arkansas; John (Maureen) Payton of Chaska, Minnesota; and Lorraine (Erik) Schnelle of Belding, Michigan. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Nick Marquardt, Meagen (Thad) Marquardt Gillispie, Elissa (Eric) Eibes Blabac, Joseph (Brittney) Eibes, Josh (Ashley) Payton, Emily (Matthew) Headla, Luke (Allison) Payton, Peter (Isabelle) Schnelle, Erika (Styles) Gasiciel, and Kristen (Conner) VanDevelde and nine great grandchildren. Other survivors include siblings Nadine Marks of Tulsa, OK and Gerald (Shela) Wendland of Broken Arrow, OK., and other extended family members.
Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church of Boone Iowa, 703 Greene Street, Boone, Iowa 50036.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel at Sixth and Marshall Streets in Boone. Online condolences may be left to Louise’s family at www.schroedermemorialchapel.com
