PAYTON, Elizabeth C. (Bets)

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ Wednesday, July 14, 2010 Elizabeth C. Payton of Wickenburg passed away July 5 at the Wickenburg Community Hospital. “Bets” was born August 13, 1924 in Marquette, Mich. She had lived in Wickenburg for 30 years. Bets was born to Colette and Richard Dwyer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bill and her sisters Mary Luksa, Bobbie Dwyer, Dorothy Migalla and her brother Richard Dwyer. Bets graduated high school in Chicago, Ill., and attended a one-year business college. She joined the USO where she began a penpal relationship with her “soul mate.” She and Bill married on Aug. 10, 1945 at St. Edwards Chapel Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla. They moved to Chicago, Ill., and then to Geneva, Ill., where Bets became an executive secretary with the Howell Manufacturing Company. Bets and Bill were members of St. Anthony’s of Padua Catholic Church, The Wickenburg Elks Lodge 2160, The Kellis Draper American Legion Post 12 of Wickenburg, and The Wickenburg Country Club where they played until they were physically unable. Bill died in May 2005, and Bets continued her work in the church choir, Women’s Guild, Martha’s Circle, Minister of Care, and the Sunshine Ladies. In the American Legion she was an officer in the ladies auxiliary. She was also an officer in the lady Elks Auxiliary. Bets also volunteered at the Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce as well for many years. With all Bets did for other people, she always had time for family, friends, and fun. She will be sorely missed by all. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday (July 17) at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wickenburg. The family suggests donations to Hospice of the Valley or St. Vincent De Paul. Arrangements are by David’s Desert Chapel Funeral Home in Wickenburg.