Windsor, VT – Ruth T. Payne, 107, died on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Cedar Hill Health Care Center in Windsor. Ruth was the youngest child born to Robert and Maude (Snow) Thompson in Pomfret, VT on August 1, 1917. She graduated from Woodstock High School and met Harley Victor Payne, Jr. at a dance at the Grange Hall in South Pomfret. The two married on October 31, 1934; they were partners in all things, raising two children and operated Payne's Home Bakery for more than 3 decades. Ruth and Harley enjoyed winters in Florida and summers at Lake Morey in Fairlee, VT where they enjoyed attending to guests who stayed at 'The Castle on the Hill' and spending time with family at their camp nearby. The two also enjoyed golfing together and held memberships at Lake Morey Country Club and Hanover Country Club. They moved to South Carolina for a time but missed home and returned to Vermont in 1998. Together they celebrated 75 years of marriage before his death in 2010.

Ruth liked to stay active and in her younger years enjoyed snowshoeing. She had a variety of interests including rug hooking, knitting, sewing, quilting, needlepoint and making cards for special occasions. She loved jigsaw puzzles, playing cards with friends and family and cheering on the Red Sox.

She is survived by one son-in-law Duane Olmsted of Windsor; grandchildren Debi Price of Colchester, VT, Doug Price of White River Junction, VT, Tracy Currier of Claremont, NH, and Harley Payne, III of Easley, SC; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harley Payne, Jr., children Norene Olmsted and Roland Payne, siblings Iola Falby, Roland Thompson, Kenneth Thompson, William Thompson, Carl Thompson, and Merton Thompson, one grandson Jeff Payne, and one great granddaughter Dusty Payne.

Ruth will buried next to her dear husband in a private graveside service at Ascutney Cemetery. Memorial donations are appreciated to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Rte. 10, Enfield, NH 03748.