LaBonna "Bonnie" May Payne was born April 7, 1931 in Big Bend, Minnesota, the daughter of Lawrence Peter and Eunice Laura (Golden) Jacobs. She was baptized as an infant and confirmed into the Christian faith at Big Bend Lutheran Church in Big Bend by Rev. C.T. Jenson. She attended country school at District #17 in Big Bend Township of Chippewa County and finished the tenth grade in Appleton. Following high school, Bonnie worked at a grocery store and restaurant in Big Bend. On April 20, 1949, Bonnie was united in marriage to Russell Luverne Payne at Big Bend Lutheran Church by Rev. C. T. Jensen. They were blessed with four children and 62 years of marriage. They lived and farmed south of Benson, where Bonnie was a homemaker. She was a member of the Red Hat Society, and was the 2006 Valentine's Queen at Golden Living Center. Among the things she enjoyed were playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins, collecting angels, square dancing, playing Bingo, and spending time with family and friends. Bonnie is survived by her husband Russell of Benson; her children: R. Larry (Valerie) Payne of Benson, Vicki (Byron) Olson of Benson, and Tamara (Mike) Thompson of Swift Falls; eight grandchildren: Chad (Missy) Payne, James (Pam) Payne, Rick (Melissa) Payne, Josh Payne, Nick (Casey) Olson, Nicole (special friend Donnie Peterson) Olson, Kristina Thompson, and Kevin Thompson; thirteen great grandchildren: Codi, Courtni, Jarret, Mariah, Noah, Jesse, Kylen, Corbin, Jaiden, Andrew, Leah, Troy, and Aaron; siblings: Dorothy (Alvin) Nissen of Benson and Lawrence (Venoie) Jacobs, Jr. of Big Bend; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were an infant daughter, Nancy Lee Payne; a great granddaughter, Carli Joy Payne; her parents; and a sister Leona Payne.
