Sarah Benton Payne, 97, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away peacefully Monday, August 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was a faithful and devoted member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, where she served on the Altar Society and was a member of the Handbell Choir.  Born in Henderson County, Kentucky on May 25, 1929, to the late Thomas and Olga Benton, Sarah was a graduate of Holy Name High School and attended Catherine Spaulding College in Louisville, Kentucky, which is now Spaulding University.  After being a homemaker and once her children were in school, she managed the Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School cafeteria for 22 years.  She was awarded school Grandparent Volunteer of the Year in 2009 and continued to volunteer at the school office until the age of 90.  Sarah was awarded the Holy Name of Jesus Honor Coin for faithful and noble service to the church and community in recognition and gratitude.  She embraced many children as her own and many thought of her as a second Mother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, B.R. "Bob" Payne, who died March 3, 2007; two sons, Dan Payne, who died June 4, 2003, and infant Bernard Joseph Payne; two brothers, Thomas "Sonny" Benton and Barry David Benton; one grandson, Jack Payne; and one great-grandson, Isaac McFarland.

Survivors include one daughter, Linda Stroud and her husband, John, of Henderson, Kentucky; three sons, Bob Payne and his wife, Janie, of Dover, Delaware, John "BDI" Payne and his wife, Chris, of Evansville, Indiana, and Rick Payne and his wife, Lynn, of Henderson, Kentucky; daughter-in-law, Kay Payne of Evansville, Indiana, wife of the late Dan Payne; 11 grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Services will be at noon Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Richard Meredith will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home in Henderson, Kentucky.   Prayers will be said at 6 p.m. Wednesday by Deacon Richard Beaven.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Contributions may be made to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic School.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.