Rita Mae Payne Stiff

Rita Mae Payne Stiff went to heaven on Friday, April 17, 2026, 3 days shy of her 88th birthday. She was born April 20, 1938, to the late Herbert Xavier and David Marie Roby Payne.

She grew up in Knottsville and Owensboro. After her mother's death when Rita was 9, she took care of her father and brothers and became an excellent cook and homemaker at a very young age. At 17, she married Richard Stiff. Together, they raised 12 children. She was the best Momma. She cooked, sewed, canned, and still had time to take everyone camping on the weekends.

In later years, she worked as a school crossing guard and sat with the elderly. She eventually became the baker at Estes Elementary School cafeteria, a job she excelled at and enjoyed. She was a devout Catholic and a longtime member of Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish, where she served in many capacities within the parish and founded the bereavement meal ministry.

As more and more grandchildren came along, she often held grandkids' days and had them all over to spend the night. Family was everything to Rita. She loved hosting family dinners, which sometimes meant cooking for 100 people. She was also known for her beautiful wedding cakes. She was a wonderful cook, and her delicious food will be sorely missed. Rita and Richard enjoyed 64 years of marriage before his death in 2020. Their love was something to be admired and emulated.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son Matt Stiff, her granddaughter Summer Stiff, 2 infant great-grandsons, and 2 infant great-granddaughters. Also preceding her were her sister Mirl Clark and brothers John Payne, Brookie Payne, J.T. Payne, Leroy Payne, and Gene Payne.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Webb of Owensboro, Felecia Stiff of Lewisport, and Monica Scott (Steve) of Philpot, her sons Rick Stiff (Karen) of Whitesville, Perry Stiff (Deborah) of Owensboro, Scott Stiff (Kathy) of Whitesville, Keith Stiff (Rae) of Owensboro, Kevin Stiff (Carolyn) of Sarasota, FL, Mark Stiff of Owensboro, Brian Stiff (Cindy) of Utica, Chris Stiff (Erin) of Owensboro, 31 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren with 2 on the way and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

The funeral Mass for Rita Stiff will be at 10:00 am on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory, with prayers at 4:00 pm. Visitation on Monday will be from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at the church. Entombment will be at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathen's Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301 or Saints Joseph and Paul Catholic Church, 609 E 4th St, Owensboro, KY 42303.