Gayle Jean Payne (Leist), 73, of New Albany, IN, beloved wife of James David Payne M.D (retired) of New Albany, went to be with the Lord on December 13, 2024, at 6:11 p.m. at Baptist Floyd Hospital in New Albany, after a brief illness due to complications of severe heart disease.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil Charles Leist and Norma Jean Leist (Turner), both of New Albany.

She is survived by two sisters, Jenny Leist of Sellersburg, and Christy Leist of Clarksville; three children, Sara Eline (Smiley) of Louisville, John David Charles Payne (Ashley) of Central, and James Michael Payne (Crystal) of Underwood; four grandchildren, Madelynn Jaye Donaldson (Isaac), of New Albany, Shalyn Gayle Eline of Louisville, Abbigayle Renee Payne and James Michael Payne Jr. of Underwood; one step-grandchild, Samantha Lynn Rose of Underwood; one great-grandchild, Lennon Jaye Donaldson; and several cousins.

Gayle was born on February 13, 1951 at the old St. Edwards Hospital in New Albany, and grew up and attended school in New Albany.

She graduated from New Albany High School in 1969. After high school she worked as an optometry assistant to Dr. Dugan in New Albany for a short period of time and then as an EKG technician and cardiology technologist at Floyd Memorial Hospital in New Albany at various times for a few years, as a cardiology technologist at the Medical College of Ohio at Toledo for one year, then as a medical assistant for her husband and his practice in New Albany for 20 years. For the past 16 years, she was a medical assistant and limited x-ray technician for Norton Health Care at Community Medical Associates on Barret Avenue in Louisville, where she received numerous acclamations for her work.

She attended Indiana University Southeast in New Albany, and Memphis State University in Memphis, TN. She was a certified EKG technician and cardiology technologist, as well as a certified and licensed limited x-ray technician. In the past, she served as president of the PTA at Pineview Elementary in New Albany, as well as other offices. She was a member of the Tri Kappa in New Albany and was a member of various committees. She was a member of the Floyd Co. Medical Society Auxiliary and a member of various committees. Gayle was a faithful member of New Beginnings Community Church in New Albany.

In her pass time, Gayle enjoyed knitting, cross stitch, crocheting, and many other crafts as well as reading.

A visitation for Gayle will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at Kraft Funeral Service, 2776 Charlestown Road, New Albany, with a funeral service to follow at noon.

Gayle will be laid to rest in Kraft-Graceland Memorial Park following services.

In addition to flowers, donations are suggested to the American Heart Association or to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for breast cancer.