Mary Verla (Payne) Kates, 93, passed from this earthly life on July 11, 2025 at Stillwater Medical Center. A memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 18, 2025 at the Southside Baptist Church, Stillwater, Oklahoma. Strode Funeral Home and Cremation is in charge of the arrangements.

Born September 14, 1931 to Merle Tillman and Lovada Caroline (Swisher) Payne. She was raised, and lived most of her life in Payne County. She graduated from Stillwater High School in 1949. She married Wayne Burton and had two children, Naomi Sue and Richard Wayne. She later married Jewel Kates, who preceded her in death on October 22, 2002.

She was a retired homemaker. She devoted her time to family, friends and her church. She loved arts and crafts, mostly knitting and crocheting, which she donated to many worthy causes.

Verla was preceded in death by both parents, her husband, sister, Kathryn Jo (Payne) Morain; daughter, Naomi Sue (Burton) Rice; son Jerry Kates, and grandson's Perry Ray Burton and Charlie Joe Burton.

Verla is survived by her son, Richard Burton and wife Sheila; son, Wayne Kates and wife Robyn; daughters Susan Lemire, Beth Strickland and husband David. Grandchildren, Michele Ashby and husband Robert, Carolyn Driskill, Cassie Nelson, Jesse Burton, Andrew Burton, Gloria Newport and husband Donnie, Richell Chapman and husband James, Crystal Kates, Carrie Wales, Stephanie Darling and husband Jason, Linda Sain and husband Joe, Salena Cantwell and husband Corey, Mary Strickland, Melissa Bird and Larry Strickland, along with twenty-four great children and ten great-great-grandchildren.

The family would like to send a special thank you to members and friends at her church, and Pastor Paul.