Janis Roberta “Bobbie” Payne
Janis Roberta “Bobbie” Payne, age 84, of Shelby, died Monday afternoon, October 20, 2025 at Millcreek Nursing and Rehab in Galion. Her death follows complications of a stroke.
Bobbie was born August 13, 1941 in Shelby, she was the daughter of the late Robert Paul and Lola Irene (Sims) Graham. A 1959 graduate of Shelby High School, she then attended Mansfield General School of Nursing graduating in 1962. For over 30 years, Bobbie was a nurse at Shelby Hospital and then spent 12 years as a nurse for Dr. John McHugh from where she retired.
On April 27, 1963 Bobbie married Thomas Edwin “Huff” Payne and together they raised their family and celebrated many fun adventures together. They loved traveling, having visited all 50 states, Europe five different times, and the beach nearly every year. Many camping excursions took them to various places, including two big trips out west. Bobbie did all these things while remaining an avid reader, had once loved flower gardening, and enjoyed the occasional trip to the casinos.
Above all things, her love for her entire family- her husband, children, and grandchildren- remained at the top of her priority list. She retired only to take up a full-time job of watching her grandchildren- a job she truly loved. And although not necessarily a sports fan, she was a grandkids fan. So, anything they were active and involved with she was present for.
In addition to her husband of 62 years, Huff, Bobbie is survived by her children: Russell (Jennifer) Payne of Elyria, Kyle (Brian) Fenner of Shelby, and Karol (David) Keiser of Shelby; grandchildren: Audrey (Brandon) Woodrum, Graham Payne, Grant Fenner, Jordan Fenner, Miranda Keiser, Elizabeth Keiser, and Grace Keiser; great grandchildren: Thomas Woodrum and Amelia and Kaysen Linger; her sister: Pam Weaver; sister-in-law: Stefanie (Ed) Triplett; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters: Sandy Nicholson, Melba Armstrong, and Kyle Utz.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where a wake service will immediately follow at 7 pm. Bobbie’s Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 11 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. Chris Mileski celebrating the Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate).
Condolences may be left on Bobbie’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook Page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
To view Bobbie’s tribute video, click here: Bobbie’s tribute video.
Bobbi was an absolutely wonderful person. I’ve thought of her often over the years. Sincere condolences to Huff & family. So many great memories. ❤️
So very sorry. Will miss Bobbie a lot. Our sympathy to all of the family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our deepest condolences to the entire family. Prayers for the days ahead
My deepest condolences.
I am sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength at this time.
I worked at the Shelby Hospital for many years she was such a lovable and likable lady, one of the best!! A wonderful nurse!!
Oh my goodness, we are so sad to learn of Bobbie’s passing. We have such great memories with Bobbie and Huff and the kids!
Our deepest condolences to you all!
Sending love and prayers for peace!
We send our most sincere sympathy to the family. Bobbie was such a nice person & endured so much back pain. She is now pain free. RIP sweet lady.
Prayers of peace & healing for all of you. I loved Bobbie so much from working with her at the hospital & from Dr. McHugh’s office. She always had a smile & a story to tell. God bless you all. So many wonderful memories!
I loved going to Dr McHugh & seeing her. My kids loved her. Condolences to the family.
Kyle, Brian & boys,
We are out of state, but saw Bobbie’s obituary on Facebook. We didn’t hear about her stroke. She was always present for your boy’s activities. We enjoyed the many conversations with them about sports. We are praying for you. Bobbie is in the Best place, Heaven.
Hugs, Todd& Nancy
Sending love to you all.
Nobody is ever ready for times like these,
Staying focused on all the joy and love she brought to your lives may help fight off the sadness.
Chip and Lori
Tom, I am sorry to hear about Bobbie passing. My prayer’s are for all your family to find peace..
My remembrances of Bobbie were the times that Kyle had us girls from ’62 for slumber parties at their big house on Gamble Street. She taught us some fun games and Bobbie enjoyed them as much as we did. She was such a cool big sister to all of us! Love to all her family.
We send our prayers and sympathy to all of the family.
Bobbi was one of the best.
The Elliotts
Sorry for your loss, Huff ,children and grandchildren. Always loved talking to Bobbie and remembering when she delivered my daughter,Amy, moments before the Dr. arrived. Rest in peace. May God comfort you in this difficult time.
Our sympathy to Bobbie’s Family.
May your memories of fun times comfort you in days ahead.
Ron & Susan Keiser
I’m so saddened to hear of this! Thinking of the family and hoping that the beautiful memories you have can dull the pain and give all of you a sense of comfort and peace.
I’m sorry to hear of her passing. She was a kind and loving person.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
John and Angel Schroeder
Sorry for your loss…….thoughts and prayers.
Kyle,
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. I wish you all comfort and peace in the days ahead. Sending sympathy to you and your entire family.
Amy (Young) Strauss
Our deepest sympathies to all of you in the loss of Bobbie. Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time of both celebrating and grieving her life.
-Your friends and neighbors at Shelby Senior Center.
So sorry to hear this. A beautiful person and classmate.
Our hearts go out to the family for the loss. May God comfort and give you peace. Praying for you all.
My condolences goes out to the entire family, especially Russ who I played high school football and college football and consider him a very good friend. Also to Huff, I always enjoyed our conversations at Muskingham or Shelby high school or at Ted &Allies Those couple mornings I saw you there. God be with you and all your family. At this time of sorrow.
Tom,
Cheryl and I are so sorry for your loss. I will certainly miss talking to her on your back porch when taking a break from yard work. We cannot imagine the pain and heartache you’re feeling. We pray for your peace and comfort.
Russ and family. So saddened to hear of your mother’s passing. She was a very sweet, kind soul! May God’s love comfort you all.