Rita Dr

Dr. Rita Kay Payne, of Morgantown, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2011. Dr. Payne was born Feb. 17, 1951, in Slaton, Texas, to Dr. Glen Bradley Payne and Mary Higgins Payne. She graduated from the University of Texas School of Medicine, Galveston, in 1980. For over 30 years, Dr. Payne provided dedicated, compassionate and extraordinary obstetrical and gynecological care to patients across the globe. She was a gifted physician and renowned for her empathy. When not caring for patients, she was often home in her favorite rocking chair, or at the bench of her baby grand piano, sharing her passion for music. She enjoyed poetry, reading and traveling with her family. Above all, Rita was a loving and devoted mother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children. She is survived by her children, Bradley Scott, Matthew Elliott and Amanda Marie their father, Scott her sister, Glenna Payne Pember and brother, Paul Payne. Services will be held Saturday, June 18, at The WVU Erickson Alumni Center with a wake service at 11 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 1 p.m.with Dr. Thomas McGovern officiating. Arrangements will be coordinated through Hastings Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dr. Rita Payne's memory to Doctors Without Borders (www.doctorswithoutborders.com). Acknowledgement e-cards may be sent to rpaynememorial@gmail.com.