Rebecca Payne of Palo Alto, California died suddenly in her sleep while visiting her father on Saturday, July 21, 2018.  She was born on March 20, 1974 at Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Sandra S. Payne of Ocala, Florida and Mack W. Payne of Lake Placid.

She was raised in Naples, Florida where she attended Poinciana Elementary School, Gulf View Middle School and graduated from Naples High School in 1992.  From there she earned a BA and MA degree in Education from the University of Florida. After several years teaching in Florida she earned a PHD in education from the University of Tennessee.  That was followed by five years as an associate professor of education at the University of Alabama.  Until her passing she was serving as a reading recovery specialist at the Ravenswood School District of East Palo Alto, California.

In addition to her parents she is survived by a sister, Melissa Stueve (Jon), of Mountain View, California, a brother, Richard Warren Payne (Katie) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a sister, Emily Smith (Luke), of Golden, Colorado and seven nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, July 27, 2018 at the Scott Funeral Home in Lake Placid with viewing at 1:00 PM.  Burial after the funeral will be at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Placid.  Rev. Ray Cameron and Rev. John Girdley will be officiating.

Friends who wish, may make memorial contributions to the East Palo Kids Foundation, PO Box 50542, Palo Alto, CA 94303.  Words of comfort to the family can be made by visiting www.scottuneralservices.com .  Funeral arrangements entrusted with the Scott Funeral Home 504 W. Interlake Blvd., Lake Placid 863-465-4134.