PAYNE, Betty Leigh

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Thursday, August 6, 2009 Aug. 1, 1950 – July 30, 2009 Betty Leigh Payne was born in San Jose, Calif., to Goldie and Pauline Harper. Very important and of utmost importance was her son Tim and her daughter-in-law Kristin Ferris, of Berkley, Calif. Tim was her hero, son and friend. Betty had a longtime love and friend, John Batterton. They shared their lives together for the past 10 years. John will greatly miss her love, friendship and the life they shared. Betty had many passions in her life. The most important and loving one was her relationship with her son, Tim. It was a special time in her life when he married his love, Kristin. Both Tim and Betty enjoyed their fabulous gourmet recipes with one another. They shared their recipes with their family and friends. She loved teaching mathematics. She received her mathematics master’s degree in 2008. She taught various subjects at Topic K-8 for seven years. Her mathematics classes were very special to her. Betty began teaching at Thunderbolt Middle School in 2007. She shared her passions and teaching with all students and colleagues. All at Thunderbolt Middle School will miss her as well. Betty Leigh’s best friend, Suki Eaton, will always miss her confidence and friendship. One very memorable trip was to Rome. She enjoyed this with both her friends Suki and Tephanie Hatch. Betty shared her 40th high school reunion with her childhood friends, Marsha, Tera, and Linda in San Jose, Calif. That was a very special moment for all of them. What memories they shared. Her friends, Bridget and Snake Larrabee, and Donna and Al Stewart, will really miss Betty Leigh. When Betty and John got together with their friends, they always had the time of their life, especially when the gourmet Betty Leigh was entertaining. To the last, she was a true friend and enjoyable to share life’s moments with. Betty had wonderful Canadian friends, Elaine and Dick, Susan, Gordan and Donna, and Don and Bert. Their friendship with Betty will be missed. They enjoyed many good times with one another. Also, she loved her dogs, Jessica, Larry and Bennie. Betty also leaves behind her niece, Debbie and Don Franklin and their daughters, Alyssa and Ashley, of Lake Havasu City; her longtime friend, Ed, of Santa Cruz, Calif.; brothers, Dallas and Ken Harper; and sister, Barbara Stalie. She is preceded in death by her sister, Alice Wilber, rest in peace. Betty was a true lady, classy, eager, and most of all, a confidant. Her friendship and love will be forever remembered and treasured by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. If you love someone, show them and tell them before it’s too late.