Eleanor Elizabeth Payne

Eleanor Elizabeth Payne, age 83, of Midland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026. Born to Albert and Maria (Becker) Francis, September 7, 1942. Eleanor lived a life filled with dedication to her family and community.

Eleanor graduated from Peterboro Collegiate in 1958. She married Richard “Rick” Payne in 1959. In April of 1961 Rick & Eleanor moved to Michigan and together they shared a remarkable 66 years of marriage. Eleanor is survived by her husband Rick; daughter, Tammara Tiffany of The Villages, Florida; sons, Richard D. Payne and Michael (Marcia) Payne of Midland; brother in law Gilbert (Anne) Payne of Arizona; grandchildren, Ryan (Joanna) Payne of Newberry and Shawn (Jessica) Payne of Midland; and great-granddaughter Avery Payne. She was preceded in death by her baby daughter Carrie Lee and her sisters Dianne Francis and Patricia Phipps.

Eleanor was a former realtor in the Midland area and an active member of several organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, the Midland Quilt Makers, Senior Services, the Family Motorcoach Association, and RV Caravanner’s. Her commitment to Habitat for Humanity led her to travel extensively with the RV Caravanner’s to build or fix homes in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, and Michigan.

In addition to her being a local realtor, Eleanor did market research which sent her to California, Missouri, Illinois, and Michigan. She earned numerous bowling awards, was a City Champion, and received medals for her achievements with the Royal Ornamental Swimming Team. She also received recognition for Royal Life Saving. Eleanor organized and taught a learn-to-skate program for the Midland Amateur Hockey Association.

Per request, there is no visitation or service.