Irene Payne

Irene L. Payne, 90, of Somerset, Kentucky passed away peacefully Wednesday, October 29, 2025 in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

She was born on December 21, 1934 in Artemis, Kentucky; daughter of the late Johnnie and Mary (Davis) Lay. She was a manager of Mac's Village Pantry for a number of years prior to retirement. She was a member of Maranatha Baptist Church. Irene was a devoted and talented woman whose warmth and creativity touched everyone she met. She was an active member of her local bowling league, where she built many lasting friendships over the years. Irene had a deep love for gardening and took great pride in nurturing beautiful flowers and plants. A skilled seamstress, she enjoyed sewing and made many of her own clothes and her children's clothes in her younger years. Her kind heart, gentle and giving spirit, and love for life will be dearly remembered by all who knew her. Irene was a long time and devoted member of the Maranatha Baptist Church, and enjoyed working in the nursery there. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, giving selflessly of her time and energy.

She is survived by her children, Randall Glen Payne and Sandra K. Doebler; grandchildren, Brittany Doebler, Brandon & (Samantha) Doebler; a great-granddaughter, Mia Doebler; and a brother, Kenneth Lay; brother-in-law, Arthur Hembree; a special caregiver, Kim Joiner; and a close friend, Vickie Anderson; her beloved dog and companion, Coco.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford M. Payne; a son, Bryan Scott Payne; her parents, Johnnie and Mary (Davis) Lay; two brothers, Delphus Lay and J.D. Lay; a sister, Lorene Hembree; a sister, Marjorine, who died in infancy; and a sister-in-law, Judy Lay.

A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Friday, November 7, 2025 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home with Bro. Mickey Winter officating.

Burial will be in the Hampton-Lay Cemetery in Artemus, Kentucky.

The family will receive friends after 10:30 AM Friday, November 7, 2025 until time for services.

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.