Tobi Lynn Payne

Tobi Lynn Payne of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away April 22, 2024, after fighting a second bout of cancer. She passed peacefully at Hopewest Hospice Center in Grand Junction.

Tobi Lynn was born October 4,1973 in Tooele, Utah, to parents, Ronald Payne, and Kathleen Carter Payne. She grew up in St. George, Utah, where she graduated from Pineview High School in 1991. Settling on the education field, she received a degree in Pre-K Education Administration from Colorado Northwest Community College, then taught at Centro de la Familia in Grand Junction. She loved her position there and was loved by her students and staff. In her honor, an Ornamental Cherry tree was planted at the school with a plaque thanking her for her service.

Tobi Lynn was an amazing, intelligent woman, who was forced to leave this earth before she had accomplished all that she had set out to do. She was warm, friendly, and wonderful. Children were drawn to her warmth, and she loved them all deeply. The children, in return, lit her very soul. It was like sunshine!!

Tobi Lynn was loved by her family as well as her family of very close and devoted friends.

Tobi Lynn is survived by three children, whom she loved with all her heart, Christian Jay Yergensen, Alexis Lynn Yergensen, Brittany Ann and Jayden Bandley and Avery Brady (stepson).

She is also survived by her parents, Ron and Ellen Payne and Ricky Roche. Siblings, Ronald Justin and Jaime Payne, and Ricky Roche Jr. Step siblings, Wade and Teresa Adams, Sandi and Stan Shepp, Elizabeth and Brandon Batt, Marcy and Preston Griffiths, Ray and Cori Adams, Julie, and Spencer Kohler. Also, step siblings, Angela Roche, and Suzanne Roche, as well as a grandmother, Marie Roche. And many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Tobi Lynn was preceded in death by Mother Kathleen Ann Roche, Grandparents Lloyd and Marie Payne, Wildon and Ann Carter, Vern Roche, Stepsister Rebecca Roche and nephew  Elijah Payne.

Graveside services will be held Monday April 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Meadow Town Cemetery.

Recordings are available for 60 days from date of service.