The Superior Express -

Ronald Albert Payne, 89, of Formoso, Kan., died July 18, 2021, at the Jewell County Hospital in Man- kato.

He was born Aug. 15, 1931, to A.C. "Bert" and Vivian (Dyas) Payne, on the family farm four miles south of Formoso. He graduated from Formoso High School in 1949. Ronald farmed with his dad until he entered the United States Army in 1951. After returning home from France and leaving the service, he resumed farming, which was a love he devoted his life to.

In 1958, he married the love of his life, Iva Lea Mullins, in Burr Oak. They were blessed with three children, and farmed together for the next 63 years.

Ronald was a faithful Christian and longtime member of the Formoso Community Church, serving as a member on the board for many years.

Farming was a career he truly enjoyed every day. Over the years, he raised many crops, as well as cattle and pigs. He proudly passed along the enjoyment of farming to his son, but all of his children inherited his hard work ethic by watching their dad. Over the years, Ronald developed a talent for woodworking, and was always looking for his next project. Many of his items were made for family and friends.

Ronald's quick wit and sense of humor brought smiles to all who knew him, most describing him as ornery. He was always there quickly to lend a helping hand to anyone without hesitation.

Family was most important to him, and he was happiest when everyone was together. He enjoyed all the activities his children and grandchildren were in. He was one you could always find on the floor playing tractors with little ones and loving on the family pets.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; his three sisters and their husbands, Carol and LaVerne Stansbury, Dorothy and Milford Johnson, and Inez and Vernon Quy; as well as an infant brother.

He is survived by his wife, Iva Lea of the home; his children, Julia and Al West of Topeka, Rodney and Linda Payne of Mankato, and Kimberly and Randy Shadduck of Mankato; grandchildren, Haleigh Shadduck of Mankato, Tyler Shadduck of Lawrence, Brent and Collette Beck of Mankato, and Kristene and Scott Boyles of Superior; great-grandchildren Rhett and Rayna Waugh of Mankato; Austin, Calen, Ally and Dacey Beck of Mankato; Kyler, Kamden, and Averi Boyles of Superior; one great-great-granddaughter, Willow VanDeveer of Mankato; nephews, nieces, and a community of friends.

His funeral was held at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 21, at the Formoso Community Church with Pastor Daniel Waide officiating. Burial with U.S. military rites followed at Balch Cemetery, near Formoso.

Visitation was from 1 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, July 20, at Melby Mortuary in Mankato, where the family greeted friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Memorials are requested to go to the Formoso Community Church or Solomon Valley Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato assisted the Payne family with these arrangements.