Anita Louise “Skip” Payne of Shallotte, NC, passed away peacefully December 18^th, 2024 at SECU Hospice House of Brunswick, Bolivia, NC. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Richard, and her children when she was received into God’s embrace.  

Anita was born November 6, 1937, in Gray, PA, daughter of Frank R. and Laura M. Klesyk. Anita enjoyed her early years living in Brenizer, PA. As a child, she developed a love for dance. She studied at the Gene Kelly Studio of Dance - one of her dance career highlights was performing at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, NJ. She had aspirations of someday being a Radio City Rockette.

Anita graduated from Derry Township High School, Derry, PA in 1955 and enrolled in the Latrobe Hospital School of Nursing, proudly graduating in 1958. Anita worked as a Registered Nurse at Latrobe Area Hospital. She later worked as a private duty nurse in Latrobe, Solebury Township and Doylestown, PA. After retirement, she proudly served as a volunteer for the Red Cross Blood Bank. A career in nursing was the perfect match for her loving and caring personality.

Anita married Richard C. Payne on February 16, 1960, in Latrobe, PA, and together welcomed three children - Tracy, Rick and Lori. Life took them from Latrobe to Solebury Township, PA before retiring to Shallotte, NC.

Anita loved the beach, especially family vacations in Sanibel Island, FL, Emerald Isle, NC and most recently enjoying Friday concerts at Ocean Isle Beach, NC. She also loved cooking, antiquing, shelling and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Anita was a member of Shallotte Presbyterian Church, Shallotte, NC, where she served on the Circle and 50 Plus committees. She was a member of the Latrobe Hospital Nurses Alumni Association and was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She also enjoyed her ‘ladies time’ with the Red Hat Society and the Brierwood Ladies Club.

 Anita is survived by her husband of 64 years Richard C. Payne, children, Tracy (Joseph Dankoff); Rick (Anne); Lori (Josh Hartz); grandchildren Adam Payne, Sam Dankoff (Christina) and Abigail (Abbey) Dankoff, and great-granddaughter Nora Dankoff. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Sally P. Sweeney, her niece and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the 2^nd floor nurses and staff at Novant Brunswick Medical Center, her compassionate caregivers at SECU Hospice, the Shallotte Presbyterian Church congregation and staff, and her special friends in the Brierwood community.

Donations may be made to Shallotte Presbyterian Church, PO Box 3256, Shallotte, NC 28459, in Anita’s honor.

 A celebration of Anita’s life will be held at a later date.