SIMPSON, Paula Jane

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 07/21/2015 Paula Jane "Payne" Simpson, 69, of Show Low, died July 18, 2015, at her home after a long battle with melanoma cancer. She was born in Tucson and raised in Marana where she completed grades 1-12. She went on to study at Pima College and University of Arizona. Paula is survived by her husband, Gene, of 23 years; two children, Tolly Fletcher and Todd Fletcher; sister Jeannette Rarden; brother Arlie Payne; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews; cousins; Aunt Ida Mae Payne; and many friends. She was preceded in death parents Paul and Gladys Payne and her loving son, Leslie Steven Fletcher. She loved the outdoors, including horses, cowboys, all animals and farming. She started riding horses at the age of 2 and never lost the love to do so. It was especially fun when she attended the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Being raised in ranching and farming was the lifestyle she loved. Living on the Carpenter Ranch in the Tortilla Mountains was a great adventure during her early teenage years. She cried when she was told that was where the family was moving and then cried even more when it was time to leave. Gene was the love of her life, working side by side, traveling to Mexico, Alaska and Italy together and living a fully happy life together. A celebration of life will be held at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at the Burton Baptist Church.