Josephine Payne

Josephine Payne of Caro, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Vassar Comfort Care, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 2, 1937, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Reymundo and Esther (Varela) Rendon. Josephine moved to Caro at a young age and graduated from Caro High School with the Class of 1956. At a dance in Caro, Josephine met Ramon Romain, Sr., the love of her early life. The two were united in marriage on December 26, 1956, and shared twenty-five years together. Their marriage was blessed with four wonderful children and many cherished memories before Ramon’s passing on December 6, 1981. Josephine dedicated over fifteen years to Midwest Rotary in the printing department. She was a faithful and devoted parishioner of St. Christopher Parish and took great pride in her strong Catholic faith. She was also deeply proud of her Mexican heritage and never missed an opportunity to share that pride, especially when it came to her love of traditional foods.

Love found Josephine again when she married Wayne Payne on January 11, 1985. Together, they shared more than forty years of marriage filled with laughter, companionship, and simple joys, including their well-loved trips to the Wal-Mart parking lot just to people-watch. Josephine enjoyed gardening, putting together puzzles, shopping, and mowing the lawn. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, whether camping, playing euchre, or simply visiting. Her family could always count on a box of Thin Mints at Christmas, a tradition that became one of her many signatures. Josephine greatly enjoyed watching classic Western movies and listening to country music, especially her favorite, Daniel O’Donnell. Josephine will be remembered for her faith, her love of family, her warm sense of humor, and the simple, meaningful ways she made life brighter for those around her.

Josephine leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Ramon (Donna) Romain, Jr., Cindy (Mark) Partlo, Randy (Cathy) Romain, and Dave (Tina) Romain; grandchildren, Heather Romain, Stephanie Romain, Ryan Romain, Jarred Romain, Shawn (Tori) Partlo, Jeff (Kelsey) Romain, Kendal (Marcus) Edmonson, and Owen Romain; several great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice Majask, Nancy Bennett, Ray Rendon, Joann Broadworth, and Guadalupe (Doug) Hall; several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, Josephine was preceded in death by her grandson, Brent Romain in 2004.

Josephine’s funeral service will be on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro. Rev. Isaac Madanu will officiate with the burial following at Sacred Heart Cemetery. Josephine’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. and again at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Cass River Pet Friendz.