Lydia Ruth Payne, a Lincoln resident since 1960, passed away on June 24, 2020, at Lancaster Rehabilitation Center, following an acute and short-term illness.
Born April 1, 1924, in Geiger, Alabama, Lydia Ruth was the eldest child born to Tom Rancher Sr. and Lou Frances (Hand) Rancher. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, husband, R.P. Payne, children, Nancy Kate. (Payne) Buford; William Earl, and Robert Payne; brother, Rushes Jones, and sister, Sarah (Treadway) Whitfield.
An excellent cook and hostess, most of her career was devoted to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she worked at Cather Hall, Harper-Pound Hall, the Nebraska Student Union, as well as a number of different sorority and fraternities houses.
Lydia Ruth’s life was devoted to her Christian Faith and to her family. She was a loyal and devoted member of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Lincoln where she worshipped and served for 60 years as a loyal parishioner, choir member, and loyal member of numerous clubs, groups, committees, and auxiliaries. She also leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her passing, four children: Willie (Belinda Kay), Joe, and Ronald Payne, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Jesse Payne (Regina) Margate, Florida; three sisters Johnnie Mae Durham, Waterloo, Iowa, Dorothy Muzio, Los Angeles, CA, Hattie Jackson, Pinole, CA; two brothers: Tom Rancher, Jr., San Francisco, CA., and Wallace Treadway, Waterloo, IA: 46 grandchildren; and 31 great-great grandchildren; and host of friends and other relatives.
Because of COVID 19 guidelines, the funeral will be restricted to immediate family and limited invitees. The funeral will be held on July 7, 2020, 1:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 3301 N 56th St., Lincoln, with Rev. Tremaine Combs officiating. There will be no public viewing. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska immediately following the funeral service.
The Wyuka Funeral Home 3600 O Street, Lincoln. Nebraska has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Memorials to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Lincoln, Nebraska 68504.
Live Stream link: @MountZionBaptistChurchLincolnNebraska68504
My beautiful sweet gramma; I miss her already…
I’m really going to miss My Cousin,,Liza Ruth ,,which she hate when i call her that name,, she would correct me and say Lydia Ruth. We would sit out on the porch whenever i would go by her house,,she loved to sit out on the porch. I also kept in touch with her over the phone since i moved here to Arizona,, i really miss hearing her voice,,, My Prayers go out to to all the rest of the family thats there and those that can’t be there,,she will be missed
I want to offer you my sincerest condolences on the death of your Mother. My prayers are with you.
May your memories give you peace and comfort. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. I remember passing by the family house and she be sitting on the porch always smiled and waved at me
I love you great grandma
Mrs Payne was always very nice and her home was opened to everyone and now it’s time for that Sweet, Peaceful rest with our Lord and Saviour.
Prayers go out to the Payne family. May our Lord provide comfort and guidance in your time of need.
Rust in peace Grandma Payne. I will always remember you on the front porch, smiling as the gate opened knowing someone you loved was walking towards you. I am sure you are happy to be with RP again. Sending love to the Payne family ❤️
My condolences
Auntie you will be greatly missed. We are still in disbelief even though we know we must all pass this way. I laugh every time I think of you and mom (your sister) argue over fries. that was one of the high light of ya’ll getting together. We had such a big laugh out of it. You have ran your race good and faithful servant now take your rest.
My sincere condolence to the entire Payne family. Mrs. Payne was a second Mother to me. Her Love & guidance toward me will truly be missed. She was loved & admired by my entire family. Rest In Peace beautiful lady. God Bless.
Sending Prayers to the Payne Family. So Sorry for the loss of your loved one!
My sincerest sympathy to all the family of RP and Mrs. Payne.
My family lived across the street from the Paynes and I have many fond memories of my childhood and young adulthood that included your parents. Many times, they were like another set of parents to me and watched me grow up, drive a car for the first time, etc. (I couldn’t get away with much either!)
Front porches were a part of our culture along our block. Our families could always be seen relaxing on them as we watched the neighborhood.
I remember the Moon flowers, the big garden and especially, Tiny Dog. I remember Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Delaney and my mother were all cooks at UNL and could be seen waiting for the bus on the corner.
What a beautiful and loving woman. May the soul of this faithfully departed, rest in peace.
Although I will miss you dearly, I could ask no more of my God that He blessed you with so many years of life. I thank Him that you did not suffer long on earth and will surely suffer no more in heaven. I find solace in knowing I will see you again Grandma. I love you more than words can say.
Condolences to the Payne family for your loss.
Ronnie and Joe, I’m sorry for your loss. I remember her regularly sitting on the front porch. I still slow down at the intersection by your family home since the time she told me about others driving fast through that intersection. May God comfort you during your time of grief.
My Condolences to the Payne Family. Your love one has gotten her wings.
May God Bless you all threw this journey stay strong .Always remember the love she had for you all. God Blessed💔💋👑🙏😷
Lisa Burton
Our thoughts & prayers are with the Payne family during this difficult time. I can remember as a.young girl the beautiful affections smile that your mother always had. Take comfort in knowing that with the hope of a ressurection you will. see her again. Acts 24:15
I have met you a couple times in my life but the times I meet you I loved you rip great grandma
Sorry to hear that your mom has past away.
Our deepest condolences to Ruth’s family and friends.
We will miss her. She was a beautiful soul and a wonderful neighbor. Rest in Peace, dear Ruth.
Mother, your enduring and unshakable faith in the resurrection and eternal life of those who die in Christ gives us hope and assurance that your death is is only an expressway to that city that you so much yearned to reside; “….A city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:10