Patricia Ann Payne

Patricia Ann Payne passed unexpectedly on February 9, 2023 with her son and daughter by her side. Patty was born on March 28, 1940 to the late Marion and Hazel (Dubetz) Wildman. She is survived by her children Mark (Sally) Payne and Marcia (Otto) Schmidt; grandchildren Bryan, Laura and Aaron Payne, Allison (Aaron) Smith, Brittany, Courtney and Danielle Schmidt; great grandchildren Amelia and Avery Smith. Patty is also survived by her sister Dorothy (David) Arms, niece Nancy (Bob) Maisenholder and nephews David and Jeffrey Arms. She also had a large family of loving cousins, friends, and neighbors. Patty was very proud of her children and grandchildren and relished in making sure they were well attired at special occasions, insisting that they go shopping to get the perfect outfit and accessories. The grandchildren loved their Nana, often spending the night as children and getting properly spoiled. Patty was a proud graduate of Columbus North High School class of 1958. She enjoyed attending reunions and “North on the Fourth” and maintained relationships with many of her high school friends, including her dear friend Brenda, her best friend since second grade. Patty worked in public service for the state of Ohio for 33 years, primarily in the Ohio Attorney General’s office as an Environmental Enforcement Liaison Officer. She took great pride in her work, traveling all over the state, serving warrants (she was fearless), speaking often with local community groups and helping them to address their environmental concerns. She was awarded the inaugural Outstanding Public Service Award in 2014. She made many friends and had many loyal supporters in the AG’S office. Patty lived in the same house in Clintonville for 54 years and made many friends, including great friend Sue, who was there when she moved in. She absolutely loved to talk and whiled away many hours, whether face to face or on the phone, solving the problems of the world. Patty enjoyed working in her beautiful yard, shopping and was an excellent and adventurous cook. Her happiest times were when her table was filled with family, friends and neighbors enjoying one of her delicious meals.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 24th from 2-4 PM at Rutherford-corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street in Worthington. A funeral service will follow at 4:00. Burial will be the following morning at 10 AM at Walnut Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to World Central Kitchen at wck.org. Condolences to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.