Sandra Sue (Bonham) Payne died suddenly Christmas Day at The University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, KY. Sandy suffered injuries sustained from a fall at home. She is survived by her husband Dr. William H. Payne D.V.M., daughter Kristen Payne (Katherine) (Columbus, OH), son Dr. William J. Payne D.V.M., and sister Lindra Ricketts (Eric) (Newark, OH). She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Hazel (Lackey) Bonham.

Sandra Sue (Bonham) Payne was born in Newark, OH to Jim and Hazel Bonham. She graduated from Newark High School in 1963. She graduated from The Ohio State University's division of Physical Therapy in 1967.

Sandy and family moved to Leitchfield, KY in 1973 and stepped into the Leitchfield Veterinary Clinic. Sandy worked to serve her family and the community first as Veterinary Technician and secretary at the Leitchfield Veterinary Clinic. Sandy was known for her fierce love for family and her community. She served the people she loved not only as wife and mother but also as teacher and healer.

Sandy was a member of The Leitchfield United Methodist Church for 36 years and served as Sunday school teacher, youth leader and lay leader. She also developed a women's jail ministry and met with incarcerated women at the Grayson County Women's Detention Facility weekly. Aside from these, Sandy was also very active in promoting drug and alcohol addiction recovery and rehabilitation.

Sandy was Leitchfield's only Physical Therapist for many years. She also served as a past president of the Kentucky Physical Therapy Association. She began serving her patients through home visits and home health in the 1970's. She joined with Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center when it was established. Sandy developed the Physical Therapy department and welcomed new growth and many other therapists to Leitchfield. Recently she decided to return to her roots to once again travel to patient's homes and provide her special brand of love and therapy.

Sandy's final hours were serving others. She had just returned from seeing patients on Christmas Eve moments before her fall. She also made her wishes to be an organ donor very well known and spent Christmas Day making her self a gift to others. Sandy will be deeply missed and long remembered.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (December 30, 2009) at the Leitchfield First United Methodist Church. Bro. Darrell Lyons will be officiating. Burial will be in the Basham Family Cemetery.

Public visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday and at the church from 9:00 a.m. Wednesday until time of service.

Expressions of sympathy can take the form of donations to the Camp Loucon or the Leitchfield United Methodist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences can be made in the guest book at www.dermittfuneralhome.com