Susan Payne Obituary

Susan Emeline "Susie" Payne

Susan "Susie" Emeline Zeis Payne, 84, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Elmwood at The Shawhan Assisted Living, with her son, John, at her side.

Born August 30, 1941, in Port Clinton, she was the youngest daughter of the late Frederick and Imogen Zeis. She graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1959 and later attended Miami University.

Susie was a lifelong and devoted member of Old Trinity Episcopal Church, where she served in numerous roles, including Vestry member, ECW member, Directress of the Altar Guild, and Chair of the English Tea. She dedicated her time to supporting search committees, holiday bazaars, and several capital campaigns. A certified master gardener through the Seneca County program, she took pride in her extensive horticultural knowledge, especially the Latin names of the plants she nurtured. She was also known for being an enthusiastic and biggest supporter of Tiffin University's men's and women's golf teams!

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 51 years, Jack H. Payne; her son, Christopher M. Payne; her brother, Lock Zeis; and her sister-in-law, Mary Jane Zeis.

She is survived by her son, John L. (Melissa Crohen) Payne and her grandsons, Jacob Lockwood Payne and Benjamin Crohen Payne. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Terris Payne of Gypsum, Ohio; nephews, Paul (Sharon) Zeis, William Payne, and Daniel Payne; nieces, Angie (Michael) Dale, Diane (Jim) Stein, Cathy (Dick) Holz, and Sara (Ted) Marquis; as well as many beloved grandnieces and grandnephews.

At her request, there will be no funeral service. A private graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery will take place at a later date, officiated by the Reverend Aaron Gerlach.

Memorial contribu-tions may be made to Old Trinity Episcopal Church in Tiffin, Tiffin University Orville D. & Irma Yoder Payne Memorial Scholarship, or Tiffin-Seneca Library Foundation.

Arrangements are being handled by Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883.

Condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.