Luella Peyton

(Luella) Marie/Priebe Peyton, 81, passed away, Sunday, November 23, 2014, at her home north of Topeka. Marie was born April 28, 1933, in Emporia, Kansas, the daughter of of Frank and Luella (Betterly) Baughman. She was later adopted by her Uncle Walter and Mildred Betterly. She graduated from Topeka High School, Class of 1951. She graduated from Cottey College, Nevada, Missouri, as well as attended Washburn University/Delta Gamma Sorority. She worked many years for Santa Fe then provided daycare to children, including her youngest grandchild, giving them her love as if they were her own. Her automobile accident in 2001 prohibited her from caring for the children any longer, but did not stop her from living life to the fullest. Marie's love of sports never stopped, enjoying her kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren's many sporting activities, most of all baseball. You would find her in her wheelchair, cowbell in hand (because she was unable to clap after her accident) cheer those kids and their teammates on. She was always her children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's biggest ally no matter the circumstances. Marie married Darrell Charles Peyton in Topeka, Kansas on February 4, 1955, during the worst snowstorm in years! He preceded her in death in 1992. Kim Allen Peyton, her beloved son, preceded her in death in 1999. Also preceding her in death were five sisters, June, Dorothy, Donna, Ruthy and Doris. Marie is survived by two daughters, Julie (Mike) Payne and Jan (Leonard) Frickey, both of Topeka; six grandchildren, Sonya (TJ) Murray, Jayna Bennett, Daryl Bennett, Danny Payne, Brian (Sheena) Payne and Sam Payne; eight great-grandchildren, Jason Payne, Evan Payne, Dean Payne, Peyton Murray, Rylee Murray, Madison Murray, Tess Murray and Torah Murray. She was blessed with many loved nieces and nephews, cousins and all their children. She was also blessed with many wonderful friends. Marie's wishes were to be cremated with no funeral. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2015 at Darrell's Tea House behind her home for "The Last Peyton Tea House Party". May we all look at life the way Marie lived hers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Meals on Wheels.