Shirilee A. Payne, a long time resident of Richland, Washington went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 1, 2008.

Shirilee, the youngest of nine children, was born June 30, 1935 to Albert and Regina Hehmke in Grandview, Washington. She attended Grandview public schools and graduated from Grandview High in June 1953. In the fall of 1953, Shirilee went to work for General Electric. In 1959, Shirilee took time off to raise a family, returning to work in 1970 for the Westinghouse Hanford Company and retiring in 1994.

Shirilee married John R. Payne on May 31, 1958. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this summer with family and friends. Shirilee was a strong woman having four boys in four years. She was a supportive mother who loved to attend the boys' and grandchildren's activities from their childhood to adulthood. Shirilee was an ardent sports fan following the Seattle Mariners and a big fan of Randy Johnson.

Travel was a great interest for Jack and Shirilee visiting Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, and Canada. After retirement, they spent their time with family and friends cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers on their boat the Keli Ana and later on the R-Time navigating the Puget Sound, Canada and Alaska.

Shirilee was a devout member of Christ the King Church in Richland. Family always came first to her. Her devotion to Jack and their 50 year marriage sets an example for her family.

Shirilee's family includes her husband Jack; sons, the late Jim J. Shirley of Richland, WA, Mike Amy of Mililani, HI, John B. Tana of West Richland, and Scott Carol of Richland, WA; nine grandchildren Ryan Gretchen, Amy, Brooks, Kasey, Danica, Carly, Conley, Jensen and Brennen Payne, and two great grandchildren Ethan and Leah Payne.

At Shirilee's request, a private family gathering will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.