NESS CITY – Juanita Irene Payne, 92, passed away Nov. 2, 2015. She was born March 14, 1923, in rural Labette County, Kan., to Howard and Ethel Billington.

Juanita married Paul Johnson in 1953, and married Fred Payne in 1990. Fred preceded her in death. Survivors include: her sister, Lois McLeish of Ness City; nephews, William McLeish of Ness City and Ed McLeish of Stafford; great-nieces, Amanda McLeish and Belinda McLeish Bridgewater; and great-nephew, Justin McLeish.

As a young girl, Juanita attended Newell Country Grade School, Labette County High School, graduated from Parsons Community College and in 1945 received a degree in Home Economics from Kansas State Agricultural College. She began her career as Home Economics teacher in Douglas Public School in 1945 to 1946. From 1946 to 1948, she taught at Labette County Community High School. Juanita worked as County Extension Home Economist for Crawford County from 1948 to 1990. In the mid 1960's, Juanita was instrumental in the production of a live weekly TV show called the "Homemaker Show". It was a live cooking demonstration of food preparation using foods on special that week at the local market. She was also very active with the County Extension booths and presentations at many county fairs.

While at Crawford County, Juanita served on several national and state boards, retiring after 42 years. She was actively involved in volunteer work for several local organizations. Even after retirement she assisted with the mobile Red Cross blood drives. Extensive traveling was also enjoyed during her retirement years. Juanita moved to Ness City in 2012, where she spent time with her sister, Lois McLeish.

Reception was held from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2015, at 413 N. Iowa St., Ness City. Memorial Service was held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015, at Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, Girard, Kan.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by writing in the guest book below.