Dorothy F. 'Dee' Payne, 55

Dee passed away Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011. She was born in Weiser, but grew up in Sandpoint. She was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Roxie Critchell; her twin sister Vicky; and two grandchildren, Lacey and Caleb. She is survived by her husband, Steven Payne; three daughters, Melissa (Russ) Giles, Amy (Bret) Samms and Tara Maurer; and her three grandsons, Jacob Maurer and Michael and Matthew Samms.

She was a devoted wife and a wonderful mother! Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was the kind of grandmother that always brought gifts just for a visit, got on the floor and read to them or sang them a song, played with play-dough even though it was messy, or had an occasional painting project set up.

She was a very hard worker, always meticulous and thorough about her work. She dedicated 16-plus years at Kootenai Medical Center working as a Central Service Tech. She spent her life giving and serving all those with whom she came in contact. She was a FABULOUS cook, talented seamstress, brilliant gardener and gifted pianist! With an artist's heart, she always put a lot of creativity into everything she did. She sacrificed so much of herself on a daily basis for her family, always putting herself last. She was continuously working on homemade gifts to bless people. Whether it be hemming clothes, sewing scrubs and hats, quilts, blankets, growing berries and veggies from her garden, canning jam and jelly, making Christmas baskets or chicken noodle soup when you weren't feeling well, or a pot of goulash just because! She was a dangerous cards opponent, and enjoyed playing softball, going camping, and having barbecues!

She was amazing! She was strong and independent! She was beautiful! She was courageous and hopeful! She was a fighter and never gave up! She will be greatly missed by all who knew her!

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene. There will be a reception immediately following.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Hospice House on Prairie in her name. Everyone at Hospice went above and beyond! We thank you for having arms to hug, answers to questions, comfort despite the pain, and leading us when we were the weariest!

Please sign Dee's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.