Payne – Hilda Marie Payne of Brooks, passed away at her home in Villa 3 in Brooks on February 23rd, 2004 at the age of 85 years. Born on March 20th, 1918, in Botha, Alberta to Frederick andElizabeth Kruger, Hilda spent her youth in the Stettler area. She moved to Vancouver in 1939 where she met Russell James Payne and they married in 1940 in Vancouver. They moved back to Stettler and resided there until 1965 when they moved to Red Deer. Russell passed away in 1981 and Hilda moved to Brooks in 1982 to be near her family. Hilda was a 55-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was predeceased by her husband, Russell, brothers Herb and Helmut Kruger, sisters-in-law Martha, Blanche and Katie Kruger and brother-in-law Bill Brandenburg. Hilda is survived by her loving family, two sons Stanley and his wife Aileen of Winnipeg and Leslie and his wife Laraine of Brooks; 6 grandchildren Sandra, Murray, Michael Payne, Cindy (Wayne) Slenders, Keith (Joanne) Payne, Mark (Sheila) Payne; 10 great grandchildren Ryan, William, Scott, Amanda, Leslie, Nicole, Jacob, Nicholas, Mason and Bailie; sister Erika Brandenburg of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, brother Werner Kruger of Stettler and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. In celebration of Hilda’s life, a memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 28th from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. George Edmonds officiating. In memory of Hilda, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3 or charity choice. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or (866) 362-4652.
