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

Born on August 30, 1941, in Port Clinton, Ohio, 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, and by her son, Christopher M. Payne, her brother Lock Zeis and 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, no funeral service will be held. A private graveside service at Greenlawn Cemetery will take place at a later date, officiated by the Reverend Aaron Gerlach.

Memorial contributions may be made to Old Trinity Episcopal Church in Tiffin, the Tiffin University Orville D. & Irma Yoder Payne Memorial Scholarship, or the 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 the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.