Jane Rule Payne

Jane Rule Payne passed away on March 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.

Jane was born on October 22, 1928 in Hobart, Oklahoma to Henry Harrison Rule and Martha Odessa Rule. Shortly thereafter, her family moved outside of Roosevelt to a farm where she enjoyed a loving childhood, despite the hardships brought on by the Depression and WWII. She and brothers, George and David, rode a horse to a two-room schoolhouse and the family made trips to town every Sunday for church.

Jane had a dear relationship with her parents and brothers. They encouraged her to take on jobs around the farm and the house, giving her a sense of grit and responsibility that she carried through her life. Her mother, a self-taught artist, made her paintings that Jane cherished for life, and her Dad was never too busy to spend time with her – and later on, her own boys.

After high school, Jane moved to Stillwater, OK, to attend Oklahoma A&M where she obtained a degree in Home Economics and met the love of her life, Joseph Newton Payne. She graduated in 1950 and they wed January 28, 1951. Joe adored Jane from the day they met and doted on her daily; complimenting her in everything she did.

Joe then joined the Army and they were promptly shuffled to Aberdeen, Maryland; Austin, Texas; and Ft. Sill, OK for Joe’s training before he was stationed for the war in Korea. Jane continued to live on the base in Ft. Sill and worked for a short stint as a flight attendant to stay busy while Joe was away.

On July 4, 1952 they welcomed their first son, Steven Rule Payne. Afterwards, Jane moved back to the farm in Roosevelt to raise Steve around family while Joe was still away in Korea.

After Joe returned home in September of that year, his employment in the oil industry took the three of them to many cities including Tulsa, OK; Eureka, KA; and Midland, TX. Once in Midland, they welcomed their second son, Joseph Mark Payne on July 31, 1956. After Mark was born, the family moved to Irving, for Joe to work for Chance Vought as an Aeronautical Engineer. In 1958, they moved to Arlington where they stayed until 1968 when they built their forever home in Pantego, TX. Jane was able to stay home to raise the boys as she had hoped to do and where the Lord had gifted her to shine. She never took a minute off from keeping a tidy and well-run house or lovingly serving and spoiling Joe and the boys.

After the boys graduated from high school, Jane began a new chapter where she worked as a dental assistant and a part-time travel agent. She was a doer and these activities outside of the house filled her cup. She also became more involved in the Women’s Club and The First United Methodist Church of Arlington. In 1992 Jane faced one of the most unexpected trials of her life when diagnosed with stage-four breast cancer. Through the care and prayers of family and friends, intensive medical treatment and God’s provision, she survived and went on to live a full, healthy life.

After retirement, Joe and Jane enjoyed extensive world traveling; including trips to China, Europe, Egypt, The Caribbean, and Central America. She loved to spend time with her family, play the piano, garden in the yard, join friends for Bunco, and share her incredible baking talents with those she loved.

To her family’s delight, she was the hostess with the mostess; always welcoming others into her home, quickly ushering them to the table for a special meal or treat. She was always the first one up and the last to bed and made the most memorable feasts on birthdays for Mark and Joe (both on July 31st!) and for Christmas when Steve, Debbie and the girls would come stay.

In 2000, she and Joe found a place in the Hill Country where she enjoyed slow mornings, good cooking, watching the birds and admiring God’s great sunsets.

In her final years, she was well cared for by her son Mark and her beloved caregiver, Delores Thomas.

Jane is survived by many who loved her and will miss her greatly; her sons Steve Payne (Debbie) and Mark Payne; her grandchildren, Kendall Pape (Stace), Aleigh Sanchez (Carlos), and Susannah Payne; her great grandchildren, Leighton, Levi and Chase Pape; Cohen, Harrison and Reeve Sanchez; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

We give thanks for Jane; that she experienced a life with countless blessings, that she left a legacy in each of us, and that she is now reunited with her Heavenly Father and those who have passed before her; her husband, Joe; brothers, George and David; and her mother and father.

Her memorial service will be held at the DFW National Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023. Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 13, from 6-8 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.