Renee Payton

Alta Renee Payton, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 1, 2025, at home.

Renee was born February 18, 1943, in Rigby, Idaho, to Oscar Searl Wheeler and Melva Hunsaker Wheeler. She grew up and attended schools in Ririe and graduated from Ririe High School.

On August 25, 1962, she married Virgil “Gene” Payton in Ririe, Idaho. Renee and Gene made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Renee was a devoted mother and wife.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had fond memories of graduating Primary, going into Young Women’s, and graduating from Seminary. Renee enjoyed sewing, quilting, and making memories with family.

Renee is survived by her daughter, Mary Laree (George "Ken") Kenworthy of Kuna, ID; daughter, Patricia Joy Payton of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Terry Gene (Debbie) Payton of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Janice Renee Payton of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Brian Payton of Idaho Falls, ID; brother, Lamar Wheeler of Ririe, ID; sister, Lanna Bennett of Tremonton, UT; sister, Loa (FarrDell) Hayes of Ririe, ID; 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Payton; parents, Searl and Melva Wheeler; sister, Ida Streckert; sister, Karen Scott; brother, Ryal Wheeler; sister, Melva Karen Wheeler; sister-in-law, Laurel Wheeler; and granddaughter, Madelyn Payton.

Services will be held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Sageview Ward Chapel, 1345 Clarence Drive in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends Monday, October 6, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery.

If unable to attend the service, it will be broadcast live here.