Betty Payne, 89, of Fargo, ND, died Thursday, July 3, 2014, at Bethany on University, Fargo.

Mary Elizabeth Hlebechuk was born on December 28, 1924 in Billings County, ND to Jack and Mary (Symonov) Hlebechuk.

Betty married Gene A. Payne on July 5, 1945 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo.

Betty was an active church member of Plymouth Congregational Church, was a member of the American Legion Auxillary in Argusville, Homemakers. Betty owned and operated Payne’s Grocery in Argusville for several years. She was also the assistant Post Master in Argusville, and later worked at and retired from Rosewood on Broadway as the head of housekeeping.

Betty is survived by her children, Susan (Robert) Bergman, West Fargo, ND; Thomas (Sandra) Payne, Dilworth, MN; Mary Jean (Charles) Jones, Argusville, ND; James (Mary Beth) Payne, West Fargo, ND; ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren; three brothers, David Hlebechuk, Mesa, AZ; Ted (Joanne) Hlebechuk, Norcross, MN; Daniel (Anita) Hlebechuk, Fargo, ND; sisters, Cecile Randall and Margaret (Robert) Mallen, both of Phoenix, AZ.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; parents; and brother, Edward.