Donna Kay Payne Rice, 68, passed away peacefully, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Pauline Randall Payne and the late James Payne. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Stephanie Rice; brothers, J.R. Payne, Donnell Payne; and brother-in-law, Junior Roberts.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her significant other, Don Blanton; son, Shane Rice (Amy); sisters, Ann Chandler (Terry), Marie Rice (Eugene), and Joyce Roberts; brothers, James Payne (Stella), Ricky Payne (Cheryl), Richard Payne (Judy), Ronnie Payne (Robert); grandsons, Brent Rice (Ashley), and Andrew Rice (Kimberlyn); great grandson, Mikey Rice; along with the long list of extended family which her brothers and sisters blessed the family with.

Donna loved to adventure and travel the country. From coast to coast there wasn't a place that could be named that she wouldn't have loved to visit. She was a kind soul who always put family first and taught everyone around her that no matter how extended, family is meant to be together. Although she spent her later years in SC, it was almost a guarantee that she would be sitting on the porch swing at her mother's house every Saturday/Sunday that she got the chance. A woman who could see the bright side of anything and never failed to support those around her.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, September 29, 2025, in the Gunter Family Cemetery, Flint Hill Rd, Alexander, NC. Pastor Brent Rice will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.