A memorial service for Rita “Joan” Lewis Payne will be held at the Wetzel residence on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 1 P.M. until 4 P.M. The address is 2201 Marie Place, Monroe, LA.  Graveside service will be on Friday, January 28, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Pisgah Cemetery, Marthaville, LA.

Joan was born on April 23, 1945 in Marthaville, LA and passed away on January 23, 2022 in Monroe, LA.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Cleo Lewis.

She is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob” Payne; daughter, Xochie Doty (Lee); son, Chris Payne (Traci); daughter, Courtney Wetzel (Zeke); brother, Wayne Lewis (Jewel); sister, Jan Singletary (Ted); granddaughters, Cheyenne, Saige and Skye Doty and Genevieve Wetzel; and grandson, Vaughn Wetzel.

Joan was valedictorian of Belmont High School, Class of 1963.  She worked as a teacher, secretary and was the project coordinator at Canine Chronicle. She was a member of St. Paul’s Methodist Church and belonged to United Methodist Women and Spirit Builders Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.