Quest For Payne - About Leslie

Leslie Payne was a wonderful person. Over the years she played the role of chef, tailor, barber, designer, painter, builder, recreation leader, referee, coach, and above all ... mother.

In October 2003, Leslie was diagnosed with breast cancer. She beat the cancer. Then in January 2005 she was diagnosed with melanoma. And again, she beat the cancer.

On July 3rd of 2008, Leslie was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. It was the melanoma again and it had returned in full force, this time as a metastatic Stage IV cancer that had spread to her brain and her lungs. It was deemed inoperable.

We did everything possible to beat cancer, but in the end, it wasn’t enough. On November 15, 2008 cancer finally won. She lost her battle with cancer and passed quietly in her sleep.

That is why we ride.

The Lance Armstrong Foundation unites people to fight cancer, believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power, and attitude is everything.

Through the dollars and awareness that we raise, we can inspire and empower individuals, and we can make life better for the millions of people across the globe fighting cancer today.

Please support us as we make a difference in the cancer fight through our participation in the LIVESTRONG Challenge. Thank you!

Leslie S. Payne

December 26, 1946 – November 15, 2008
Leslie was born December 26, 1946. She was the daughter of Thomas H. and Helen I. Sauer. Leslie was survived by her mother, her sister Sue Sauer, of Eugene, OR, her two sons, Jeffrey Payne of Louisville, KY, and Bryan Payne of Atlanta, GA, a grandson, Sean Payne of Atlanta, GA, several nieces and nephews, and many close friends. She was predeceased by her father and her brother, Ron Sauer.

Leslie lived all around the country, including CA, OK, VA, IA, KY, and GA. She was an avid quilter and donated of her time and energies to several charitable organizations. She was a member of Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. and loved to spend time with her family and friends.