Esther Louise Payne (Houk)

Esther Louise Payne, 80 of Odessa, MO passed away Thursday, February 9, 2023 at the St. Luke’s Hospital on the Plaza. Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. Esther was born June 5, 1942 in Princeton, MO to Lester and Lucille (Emmack) Houk. She spent her early life in Princeton, graduating from Princeton High School. She had worked for a number of years for Meravic in Grain Valley, MO before she retired. She enjoyed crocheting, macramé, making doll dresses and loved fishing, mushroom hunting and being outdoors. She was married to Leslie Payne who preceded her in death in 2016. Survivors include 2 sons, Robert Payne (Gina) of Odessa, MO and Mark Payne of Vicenza, Italy; a sister, Dottie Houk of Mercer, MO; 4 grandchildren, Tasha Romazon (Corey), Robert Michael Payne (Nicole), Valerie Payne and Daniel Payne and 4 great grandchildren, Oakley Romazon, Emery Romazon, Robert James “RJ” Payne and Ely Buso. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600)