Helene T. Payne - Benton, IL Helene T. Payne, 90, of Benton, IL, died at 3:10 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2010 at Helia Healthcare, Benton, IL. Mrs. Payne was born on May 26, 1920 in Centralia, IL, the daughter of Henry Taake and Maude (Sisson) Taake. She married Howard Lee Payne on December 15, 1945 and he survives. Helene worked as an office manager for Dr. Burkhart in Benton, IL prior to her retirement. She was a member and former treasurer of the Benton First United Methodist Church, Past Worthy Matron of the Benton Eastern Star, Past President of the Benton Junior Womens Club, Past President of the Benton Garden Club, and former member of the Benton Country Club. She enjoyed golfing and was a ladies golf champion at the Benton Country Club. Surviving relatives include her husband, Howard Lee Payne, Benton, IL, five nieces and one nephew, Susan D. McMullin, Denver, CO, Mary Evelyn Hannagan, Shreveport, IN, Fredrick Taake, Denver, CO, Mary Helen Beckemeier, Florissant, MO, Shirley Chester, Marion, IL, Billie Chamblin, St. Louis, MO, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Mrs. Payne was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Herbert, Everett, and Howard Taake, and one sister, Evelyn Kirk. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 11, 2010 at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Robert Shook officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 203 W. Church St., Benton, IL, 62812. Visit www.hobbsjohnson.com to sign the memorial guestbook.