Ellen E. Gallagher Payne, 74, of Tyrone passed away peacefully Friday March 18, 2016 after a brief illness.

She was born September 11, 1941 in Philipsburg, a daughter of Chester L. and Louise A. (Mauk) Gallagher.

She was the beloved mother of Linda P. Hills and husband James of John’s Island, South Carolina and James M. Payne and wife Wendy of Bellwood. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Victoria and Caroline Hills, Taylor and Ashtyn Payne, a brother Chester L. Gallagher Jr. and wife Charlene of Hollidaysburg, a sister Karen G. Fry and husband Glenn of Tipton, a sister-in-law Mary K. Gallagher of Bellwood and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Payne retired in January 2004 from PPG Industries, Tipton, a job she very much enjoyed, as a glass inspector following 28 years service. She previously worked at Big Yank, Tyrone as a seamstress for 14 years form May 1962 to September 1976.

She was a 1959 graduate of Tyrone High School and was of the Catholic faith.

Besides her family, Ellen’s biggest passion in life was socializing and entertaining with old and new friends on her front porch on 15th St. Her “porch people” as she called them were her 2nd family. She was an avid Bellwood High School softball fan and enjoyed Thursday mornings at the Chic Salon.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 22, 2016 at 4 P.M. at Feller Memorial Home with Pastor Barry Fry officiating. Interment will be at Bald Eagle Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1 P.M. until the time of services.

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