Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries
Payne
Obituaries
Payne
Dorothy Maxine Gambrel let go of an inspiring 96-year journey on August 20, 2026. She passed peacefully with family members at her side in the home of her daughter, Salli. Her unwavering faith was a testament to the devout woman of God that she was. Maxine was born November 24, 1929, at the very beginning of the Great Depression, to Ruby Curry Spier and Louis Spier in Moral Township, Shelby County, Indiana. She lived most of her life on the family farm in Fairland, marrying high school sweetheart Irvin Gambrel on June 26, 1948. She was preceded in death by Irvin in 1975, eldest son Kent (Cyndi) in 2024, and dogs Shep, Sugar, Prince, Nishka, Snickers, BJ, Oreo and Sparky. Maxine is survived by her son Keith (Carol); and daughter, Salli Betz (Steve); 8 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. In addition to caring for her children, Maxine spent most of her married life working at the L. S. Ayres & Company headquarters. She started at the wrapping desk and finished as executive secretary to the company’s President and Treasurer. After Irvin’s death, and with Salli in grade school, she enrolled in college. Year one was at Christian Theological Seminary and then she transferred to Butler University where she received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education. At the age of 55, she began her post-college career by taking her one and only teaching position as the Art and Music instructor at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shelbyville, Indiana. Maxine retired in 2001, but she continued joyfully giving piano lessons for over 60 years. During her career at St. Joseph, the school decided to add 7th and 8th grade students. Hiring a band director with limited resources would have been a challenge, so Maxine spent a summer driving to Indianapolis every day to take lessons. She learned to play the trombone, trumpet, flute and saxophone so the kids would have an instructor when school started that fall. Maxine and Irvin were founding members of New Life United Methodist Church. Maxine served in many church leadership roles, spent years directing the chorus and handbell choirs, and played both the piano and organ during services. She volunteered at countless community functions. In 2006, she was named “Central Indiana Older Person of the Year” by the Central Indiana Council on Aging. Never too busy for family or friends, Maxine loved and cherished both. In recent, less mobile years, she was constantly visited by loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to family and friends, she really loved life on the farm and cooking her amazing family feasts. She named her mother as the most important person in her life, who while being educated only through the 6th grade, showed her what it was like to be strong in faith, life-smart, hardworking, and humble. Maxine wanted to be remembered as being that kind of person. Private family burial will take place at New Palestine Cemetery. Details of the celebration of life will follow. Charles Albert Payne, age 80, of Fairland, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at his residence. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 2, 1945, to Miles and Mary (VanDiver) Payne. Charles graduated from Thomas Carr High School. He served in the Army as a Drill Sergeant Army 4th Class from 1965-1967. He married Ann (Perkins) on November 24, 1979. Charles dedicated more than 40 years to the telecommunications industry. He spent 30 years working in Communication Services with Indiana Bell, AT&T, and Lucent Technologies, followed by 12 years at IUPUI specializing in the installation and repair of telephone systems. In addition to his professional career, Charles proudly volunteered for 20 years with Warren Township Fire and Rescue, serving his community with dedication and compassion. Charles was an avid NASCAR fan and a loyal supporter of Jeff Gordon, as well as a devoted Indianapolis Colts fan. Above all, he cherished his family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. He was well known throughout the neighborhood for his beautifully maintained yard and his elaborate holiday displays, creating unforgettable Halloween and Christmas decorations that brought joy to family, friends, and neighbors alike. Charles will be remembered for his hardworking nature, community spirit, and the love he shared with those around him. He is survived by his children, Tom (Carla) Payne and Cathy (Darin) Nulliner; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda (Tom) Miller and Cinda Raia; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles and Mary Payne; daughter, Jennifer Payne; and siblings, Helen Jean Mullin, Fran (John) Schowengerdt, John (Mary) Payne, and Sandra Kay Payne. James R. Richardson, 79, of Austin, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his residence. Born on November 13, 1946, in Shelbyville, Indiana, James was the son of the late Goffrey Richardson and Carlyn (Smiley) Richardson. He lived a life marked by devotion to his family, quiet strength, and the steady presence of a man who cared deeply for those around him. James made his home in Austin, Indiana, where he built a life centered on family and lasting relationships. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest pride was the family he helped create and nurture. He is survived by his daughters, Patricia (Troy) Glover of Elk Horn, Kentucky, Angie (Danny) Wilson of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Sherry Ward of Hartford, Kentucky; his sons, David (Kim) Richardson of Franklin, Indiana, Jimmy (Samatha) Richardson of Austin, Indiana, Ryan (Valentina) Richardson of Elk Horn, Kentucky, and Kenny (Penny) Richardson of Florida; his brother, Shelby (Imogene) Purdue of Marietta, Indiana, and Marlin (Susie) Richardson of Clay City, Indiana; and his sisters, Marylin Richardson of Carthage, Indiana, and Janice (Tommy) Hartenberger of Rushville, Indiana. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy and were a treasured part of his life. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as a son, Kevin. Their memory remained an important part of his life, and he carried their love with him always. James will be remembered with affection by his family and friends as a man who faced life with dignity and who left behind a legacy of love and devotion. His presence will be deeply missed, but the impact of his life will continue through the generations who follow him. Direct cremation was chosen, and no services or visitation will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.buchananfuneralhome.net
The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, April 18, 2009
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Maynard J. "Doc" Payne, age 59, died Thursday, April 16, 2009
at Major Hospital.Saturday, April 18, 2009
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Born on June 27, 1949, Shelbyville, to Maynard C. and Margaret L. (Swain) Payne.
Survivors include his son, Maynard Rodney Payne (wife, Heather) of Black Mountain, N.C.; brothers, Brad Payne of Waldron and Michael Payne (wife, Lori) of St. Paul; sisters, Ginny Aldridge (husband. Steve) and Sara Yonts (husband, Butch), both of Shelbyville, and Manarda Abel (husband, Steve) of Fountaintown; companion, Dawn Rutherford of Shelbyville; and two grandchildren, Bryson and Caden.
Preceded in death by his father.
Worked as a self-employed general contractor his whole life.
Graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1967.
Member of the First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville.
Master scuba diver, had his private pilot's license and was a licensed ham radio operator.
Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Campbell officiating.
Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield.
Contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy at 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203, or to the First United Methodist Church at 34 W Washington St., Shelbyville, IN 46176.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming
The Shelbyville Republican
Monday January 9, 1939
Page 1 column 4
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PAYNE FUNERAL WILL BE TODAY
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Rites for Hallard Payne
Will Be Conducted Today at Funeral Home
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Hallard Payne, age fifty-four, widely known Shelbyville barber, died
at 7:00 a.m. Saturday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Myrtle Ropp, of 723
south Tompkins street. His death, which was due to nephritis, followed several
months of illness. He had been critically ill for the past four weeks.Monday January 9, 1939
Page 1 column 4
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PAYNE FUNERAL WILL BE TODAY
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Rites for Hallard Payne
Will Be Conducted Today at Funeral Home
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The body has been taken to the Loren H. Murphy funeral home, where funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. today. The Rev. Ernest L. Ford. Pastor of the First Christian church will officiate. Burial will be made at Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the Murphy funeral home at any time.
The son of Amos and Mariah Payne, Mr. Payne was born at Mt. Auburn on December 24, 1884. He had lived in Shelbyville the past thirty years. He was employed at the Coers barber shop for many years and later operated his own shops here.
In 1906 he was married to Miss Edna Shaw, of Flat Rock, and to this union two children were born, both of whom survive with the widow. They are Mrs. Opal Rusie, Indianapolis and Lewis Payne of this city. His parents, a sister and a brother preceded him in death.
Besides the children he is survived by three grandchildren and four sisters, Mrs. Ropp, Mrs. Maude O Leary, of Oakland, California; Mrs. Ethel Eads, of Moral township, and Mrs. Lena Shrimer, of Indianapolis; two brothers, Roscoe Payne of Beech Grove and Eard Payne of New Bethel, and several nieces and nephews.
Early in life Mr. Payne became a member of the Lutheran church at Mt. Auburn, and he had also been a member of the Red Men and Eagles lodges here.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West
The Shelbyville Republican
Friday October 20, 1933
Page 1 column 2
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FORMER CITY POLICE OFFICER
DIES TODAY
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John W. Payne, 59 years old, night desk clerk at police headquarters
here and former patrolman on the local police force, died at 10:30 a.m. today at
his home, 209 West Jackson street, after five weeks illness, due to heart
disease and complications.Friday October 20, 1933
Page 1 column 2
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FORMER CITY POLICE OFFICER
DIES TODAY
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Mr. Payne was on duty at the police station when he was stricken with his last illness. He was born in Jackson township, February 16, 1874, the son of Amos and Mariah Lewis Payne. On December 20, 1919, he was untied in marriage with Miss Sadie Snider, who survives. Besides the widow, Mr. Payne leaves three daughters by a former marriage; Mrs. Lola Boeldt, Mrs. Nellie Swanty, and Mrs. Thelma Haines, all of Indianapolis; five sisters, and three brothers.
[Buried Forest Hill Cemetery]
Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West
The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday July 13, 1922
Page 1 column 5
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MARIAH L. PAYNE DIED IN NIGHT
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Passed Away At Home of Her Daughter,
Mrs. Sam Kneisley, In This City
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FUNERAL SERVICES SUNDAY
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Mrs. Mariah L. Payne, age sixty-seven years, died last night at
midnight, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sam Kneisley, No. 331East
Washington street. Her death was caused by a complication of diseases.Thursday July 13, 1922
Page 1 column 5
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MARIAH L. PAYNE DIED IN NIGHT
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Passed Away At Home of Her Daughter,
Mrs. Sam Kneisley, In This City
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FUNERAL SERVICES SUNDAY
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Mrs. Payne had been a resident of this county for many years. She was the widow of Amos L. Payne, who died June 19, 1909. They had lived in the Mt. Auburn community for a number of years. Mrs. Payne was a member of the Lutheran church at Mt. Auburn.
She was born December 4, 1854. On June 21, 1870, she was united to Mr. Payne. Since his death she has been making her home with her children. Mrs. Payne is survived by four sons, John W. Payne and Hallard Payne, of Shelbyville; Earl H. Payne, of Indianapolis, and Roscoe C. Payne, of North Judson, Indiana; five daughters, Mrs. Joseph Ropp, Mrs. Dan O Leary, Mrs. W. C. Eades and Mrs. F.N. Shinner, all of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Kneisley, of this city; one half-sister, Mrs. Margaret Hill, of Franklin; and two half-brothers, Landa Ensley and Fremont Ensley, of Flat Rock. Fifteen grand children and one great grandchild also survive.
Funeral services will be held at the Mt. Auburn Lutheran church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o clock, the Rev. S.D. Hawkins officiating. Burial will be made in the Mt. Auburn cemetery. C.F. Fix and Son in charge
Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West
The Shelbyville Republican
Friday June 18, 1909
Page 4 column 3
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AMOS PAYNE DIED
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Well-Known Resident of
Mt. Auburn Passed Away
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Amos Payne, age 59 years, died at his home neat Mt. Auburn at 7:15 o clock last evening after an illness extending over several weeks. Mr. Payne was one of the best known citizens of his community, and had many friends in Shelbyville who will regret to learn of his death.Friday June 18, 1909
Page 4 column 3
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AMOS PAYNE DIED
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Well-Known Resident of
Mt. Auburn Passed Away
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The deceased leaves a wife, Catharine Mariah, two brothers, David and Sanford, of Columbus, Indiana, and nine children Mr. Payne s sons are John and Erd of Edinburg; Hallard, of Flat Rock, and Roscoe, of Indianapolis.
His daughters are Mrs. Myrtle Ropp, of Muncie; Mrs. Maud O Lary, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Jane Nisely, of Shelbyville; Mrs. Ethel Eads, of Anderson, and Miss Lena Payne, of Mt. Auburn.
Edwards & Hageman were called to take charge of the body.
[Buried Mt. Auburn Cemetery]
Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West
The Shelby Democrat
Thursday May 28, 1891
Page 3 column 3
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Martha A. F. Payne, wife of Edward Payne died at her mother s residence, Mr. and Mrs. George Tindall in Jackson township, at 2 o clock Monday morning, age 18 years. The remains were buried Tuesday morning at the Mount Auburn grave yard. Services at the Christian church in Mount Auburn by the Rev. Miller. D. B. Wilson, funeral director.Thursday May 28, 1891
Page 3 column 3
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Contributed by Barb Huff for Shirley West
The Franklin Democrat
Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Friday, December 12, 1890
Volume XXXI, Number 25
Page 5, column 1
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John Payne, aged eighty, a pioneer of Mt. Auburn, Shelby County, committed suicide last Sunday by taking morphine. He came to Shelbyville three weeks ago and procured a vial of the poison and kept it concealed until Sunday when he took three doses before the family knew anything about it. He then told them what he had done and requested that his children be sent for. A doctor was called but he died in a few hours.Franklin, Johnson County, Indiana
Friday, December 12, 1890
Volume XXXI, Number 25
Page 5, column 1
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Note: The Indiana WPA Death Index, 1882-1920, referencing Book H-20, page 7, records that John M. Payne, a 79 year old white male, died 6 Dec 1890 in Mt. Auburn. He was born about 1812 in Kentucky.
Contributed by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry
