Mary Katherine Whitaker Payne Bell

Mary Kay Whitaker Payne Bell, a resident of the Willows in St. Joseph, died peacefully on November 15, 2008. Mary Kay was born August 23, 1916 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the daughter of John Andrew and Mary Elizabeth Thompson Whitaker. She married Duncan Young Payne June 10, 1939 and he preceded her in death June 20, 1969. She then married Richard James Bell on May 3, 1978. He survives her. Mary Kay received her BA degree from the University of Arkansas in 1938, and her Masters in Media from Western Michigan University in 1971. She was in the education field for 21 years and retired from the Fremont Public Schools as an Administrator in Media. Mary Kay was a member of the Liberty Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star beginning in 1939. She was a life member of the American Association of University Women, served on the board of the Big Brothers-Big Sister Board of Newaygo County, and the Young Life Board. She remained a member of the First Congregational Church in Fremont even as she lived in Frankenmuth and then St. Joseph. Mary Kay had one sister Lucy, and four brothers, David, Paul, John and Wesley who predeceased her in death. She and Duncan had three children who survive her: John Duncan Payne and Ethel of Fremont, Sheran Payne Wallis and Robert of Benton Harbor, Katherine Payne Tobin and Clyde of Saginaw. She had four much loved grandchildren: Kristine Ohare and Erik, Lisa Tobin, Robert D. Wallis and Beth, and Elizabeth Kraemer and Todd. She also leaves 6 great-grandchildren; Spencer Ohare, Megan Ohare, Duncan Wallis, Lucy Wallis, Maddie Kraemer, and Katie Kraemer. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews and her favorite sister-in-law Pauline Payne of Edmond, Oklahoma. Mary Kay and Duncan raised their children in Wewoka, Oklahoma and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mary Kay taught at Pattengill Elementary in Ann Arbor after completing her teaching requirements with courses at the University of Michigan. Mary Kay was a skilled china painter and leaves a legacy of beautiful plates. She was an avid antique collector, reader and traveler making trips to Hawaii, Scandinavia and the Orient. Those planning an expression of sympathy may select a charity of your own choice. A Memorial Service will take place at The First Congregational Church in Fremont.