Obituary

Obituary
Gretchen Joy Payton, 85, of Bellville, Ohio, went to her heavenly home on May 27, 2022 after a brief stay at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.

She was born on April 27, 1937 to George and Martha Naomi Wentz in Mansfield, Ohio. She graduated from Ontario High School in 1955, and later married Joseph C. Payton of Mansfield on June 27, 1958.

Gretchen is survived by her husband and best friend, Joseph, to whom she was happily wed for 64 years, 4 children – Rhonda (Chris) Angel of Mt. Gilead, Jodi (Chris) Smith of Williamsburg, Joseph Payton of Sidney, and Steve (Melissa) Payton of Chillicothe, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She is also survived by sisters Sharon (Lannie) Cooper of Ontario, and Charlene (Walter) Jones of Ontario, and brothers Burt (Pat) Wentz of Bucyrus, and Merle Wentz of Springfield.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by one sister Sheryl, one brother Ted, and one sister-in-law, Jill.

Gretchen’s number one goal in life was to be a servant – to God, to her husband, to her children, to the church, and to anyone else God brought into her life. Her impact on this world is immeasurable.

The Payton family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 31st from 5-7 pm in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home; then again on Wednesday, June 1st from 10-11 am, where a funeral service honoring Gretchen’s life will begin immediately at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.

For contributions in her memory, please make checks payable to Seniors on Center, 41 West Center Street, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.

Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Gretchen’s family, and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them.