Annette Ruth Payne, 82, Topeka, passed away Friday, May 25, 2018.
She was born June 25, 1935, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Harvey and Lucille (Bahnmaier) Wulfkuhle.
She graduated from Highland Park High School, where she played clarinet and graduated in 1953. She also attended Washburn University.
Annette retired from USD 501 after having served several schools, ie. Quincy, Sumner, Robinson Middle School, Topeka High, and Topeka West working in special education for math, reading, and spelling. She has visited many grateful students, now successful in their lives. After retirement she visited many countries as well as many of our own states and later going to the mall to walk and visit with friends.
During the school years, she did lots of crafts like wood burning and carving, ceramics, glass staining, clay pottery, deco page, macramé, sewing , and reading also making Easter baskets and Christmas socks.
With her vast knowledge of travel, she could identify cities and geographic sites throughout the world.
She has taught Sunday school classes in grades 1-8 at Second and Central Presbyterian churches, and worked throughout the Presbyterian system and enjoyed being in the Bell choir.
She also held offices in the PTA organizations.
She was den mother and scout leader throughout the kids growing up.
She enjoyed working with the Russian Czars exhibit also.
Annette married Don F. Payne on April 14, 1956 in Miami, Oklahoma. He survives. Other survivors include their children: Donnie (Sheryl) Payne, Shelby (Angie) Payne, Scott Payne and Jennifer (Frank) Bowen; her brother, Duane Wulfkuhle; three grandchildren: Liza Payne, Zach Payne and Lily Bowen; and five great-grandchildren: Christopher, Kylee, Cory, Barrett and Lindsey.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Lois Lister and Laura Kimball.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Tecumseh. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
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