Obituary: Juanita Irene Payne

Juanita Irene Payne, 92, of Ness City, Kansas, formerly of Girard, passed away November 2, 2015 in Ness City. She was born in rural Labette County Kansas on March 14, 1923, to Howard and Ethel Billington.
She was married to Paul Johnson in 1953 and later married Fred Payne in 1990. He preceded her in death.
Survivors include her sister Lois McLeish, Ness City; nephews William McLeish, Ness City and Ed McLeish, Stafford; great nieces Amanda McLeish and Belinda McLeish Bridgewater; great nephew Justin McLeish and step daughter Bobbie Askew. As a young girl, Juanita attended Newell Country Grade School, Labette County High School, graduated from Parsons Community College and in 1945 received a degree in Home Economics from Kansas State Agricultural College.
She began her career as Home Economics teacher in Douglas Public School in 1945-46. From 1946-48 she taught at Labette County Community High School. Juanita worked as County Extension Home Economist for Crawford County from 1948-1990. In the mid 1960’s, Juanita was instrumental in the production of a live weekly TV show called the “Homemaker Show”. It was a live cooking demonstration of food preparation using foods on special that week at the local market. She was also very active with the County Extension booths and presentations at many county fairs. While at Crawford County she served on several national and state boards. She retired after 42 years. She was actively involved in volunteer work for several local organizations. Even after retirement she assisted with the mobile Red Cross blood drives. Extensive traveling was also enjoyed during her retirement years. Juanita moved to Ness City in 2012 where she spent time with her sister Lois McLeish.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard with Pastor Rick Prideaux officiating. The eulogy will be given by Lois Carlson. Friends may call between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested to the American Red Cross or the Girard Medical Center, and these may be left at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com