Mortensen, L. Rae
L. Rae Mortensen 1933-2017
Leola Rae Payne Mortensen, 84, of Albuquerque, N.M., died Saturday evening, June, 10, 2017, at her home.
Rae was born April 10, 1933, in Thatcher, Ariz. She was the oldest of 12 children to H. Vearle and Mandona Hanchett Payne.
She grew up in Lordsburg, N.M., and attended Lordsburg public schools, graduating as the high school valedictorian. She attended Eastern Arizona Junior College.
On Tuesday, October 27, 1953, Rae married R. Bevan Mortensen in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have three sons and three daughters. From 19561979, their family lived in Blythe, Calif., as they were involved in the farming and cattle business there.
She lived a life of service, especially enjoying her time serving in the LDS Relief Society, a women’s organization. Bevan and she served an 18-month mission to England from October 1993 to May 1995. Rae was an ordinance worker in LDS temples for more than 20 years. She was an avid genealogist for more than 50 years, researching numerous family lines.
Rae loved needle work and was a great quilter. She was a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, as well as several different quilt groups and guilds. She also belonged to the African Violet Society of America for a time and enjoyed growing and sharing them with others.
Rae is survived by her children: Robert V. (Lori), Keith (Lorie), Marjorie Rhodes, Maureen (Cory) Ottesen, Arlene (Jace) Larsen, and Gregory (Catherine); 21 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and eight of her siblings. She is preceded in death by her husband, R. Bevan Mortensen; parents, U.S. Federal Judge H. Vearle Payne and Mandona Hanchett Payne; and siblings, Jay R. Payne, Spencer L. Payne and Donald M. Payne.
Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, June 23, 2017, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 11750 San Victorio NE, Albuquerque, with a viewing before from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Graveside service and interment will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 24, 2017, at the Virden, N.M., Cemetery. The family is grateful for the caring staff at La Vida Llena. An online guest book for Rae is available at www.FrenchFunerals.com