Lois H. Amsden

Died as she lived, with quiet dignity and grace on February 5, 2015 at the age of 89. Lois was born on March 14, 1925 in the small Scandinavian community of New Effington, SD. After high school, she "escaped" South Dakota and journeyed to Washington D.C. to support the WWII effort. The war offered her a chance to learn skills in the earliest computers which led to a long career at Sandia National Labs. She retired in 1988. A product of the "Greatest Generation", Lois had an incredible work ethic which was highlighted in the Sandia Lab News as having never taken a sick day in 32 years of service. Lois loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening, politics, Lobo basketball, and her many canine companions, but was especially proud of her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life. Lois will be missed and remembered for being a wonderful mother and grandmother, her kindness, courage, inner strength and love of family. She had an engaging wit that she retained even through her long struggle with dementia. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William G. Payne, and Edgar A. Amsden; her parents, Orlie and Velma Holland; sister, Doris Knight; and brother, Orlie Holland, Jr. She is survived by her son, Rear Admiral USN (Ret.) William H. Payne (Deborah); daughter, Nancy Gherardi (Robert); grandchildren, Stacy Gherardi-Dolecek (Jeff) of Chicago, Erik Payne (Melissa), Joseph Gherardi (Tiffany), and Leslie Payne, all of Albuquerque. She had three great-grandchildren, Ava and Abigail Payne and Archer Dolecek. She is also survived by her sisters, Mae Lovelace and Joan Jacoby of Albuquerque, and Janis Banchero (Don) of California; and many nieces and nephews. Lois was a longtime member of Faith Lutheran Church. At her request, a private graveside memorial service is planned by the family, but you can join Lois in spirit by taking a long leisurely gaze at one of our beautiful sunsets and listening to the lyrics of her favorite song "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. A special thanks to the many loving caregivers, nurses, and staff at Northridge Care Center for helping her on her journey home. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Animal Humane of New Mexico, 615 Virginia St. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, or to a charity of your choice. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400