Nov. 22, 1928 ~ Jan. 11, 2024
Viola Payton was born at home in Ramah, Colorado on Nov. 22, 1928, to Green and Carrie (Simpson) Christian, the youngest of eight children.
She began her education in Ramah and attended Palmer High School in Colorado Springs before moving to Grand Valley, Colorado. She worked as a telephone operator for Mountain Bell while finishing high school, which she was proud of.
She met Dale Payton when he returned home from the Army in 1946, and they were married Feb. 1,1947. They were married nearly 60 years until his death in 2006. They were blessed with five children.
Although Viola had a quiet nature, she had many interests. While raising children, she taught them cooking, sewing, gardening and having good values in life. She especially loved family gatherings like Christmas and the 4th of July. She made many delicious meals with her exceptional hot rolls and cinnamon rolls, all made from scratch. She always enjoyed her yard, house plants and hand crafts. She liked rides in the country looking for wildlife.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dale, her parents, siblings and her daughter-in-law Kitty.
She is survived by her children: Carol (E.H.), Britt, Jerry, Cindy (Walt) Moyer, Dorothy (Larry) Hayes, Christie (Bruce) Long; 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. Also her sister-in-law Alberta Payton and many nieces and nephews.
She remained interested in her children and their families lives and often asked about her five “babies.”
We wish to express our appreciation for the kindness and caring shown to her during her stay at the Walbridge Wing in Meeker, Colorado.
