Shelley S. Payne, age 52, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 25, 2025 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Shelley was born on November 10, 1972, the daughter of Richard and Sandra Jo (Kenney) Rutter. She was a 1991 graduate of Northridge High School and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education from DePauw University, Master’s in Science of Physical Therapy and Doctorate of Health Services, both from the University of Indianapolis.
Most would have trouble describing Shelley without using some form of the word “inspire” or without referencing her contagious smile. She was known for heart-to-heart talks, for telling someone the hard stuff while always, always believing they could do it. Beaming in doctoral robes at Otterbein’s graduation, in selfies with her students, in Disney shots with her family … Shelley was present. She was a softball player, basketball player, three-point shooting teammate, softball mom, basketball mom, injury advice-giver, and constant fan in the stands.
Shelley achieved a great deal in her professional life, but it was her children she most often talked about. When she bragged about Megan and Ethan, though, it was about their hearts for others or the kinds of amazing people they were growing up to be. People who taught Shelley’s kids would find little notes of gratitude in their inbox because she valued good teaching. She was, after all, an exceptional teacher herself: in a classroom, in a clinical setting, on a walk in the woods, during a workout, over breakfast. She naturally mentored. It was who Shelley was.
She is survived by her loving husband Bryan Payne, whom she married on December 27, 1997, her children, Megan Payne and Ethan Payne, her parents, a sister, Kerry (David) Stein, nieces, Gwen, and Elin Stein.
Friends may visit on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Highwater Congregational United Church of Christ, 1213 Dutch Lane Road, Newark, Ohio 43055 where a Celebration of Life service will begin at 7 p.m. with Rev. Gladys Davis officiating. The family will observe a private burial in Homer Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions in Shelley’s name may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Road Suite 3, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Shelley S. Payne.
Please view the Tribute Wall to read the beautiful eulogy of Shelley’s life written by her dear friend Kim Garee.
Funeral Home: Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com