Erma Arlene Hurford, age 97, of Mansfield, Ohio, and formerly of Clay County, Illinois, passed away Sunday night, October 20, 2024, at Kingston of Ashland in Ashland, Ohio.

      She was born October 4, 1927, in Oskaloosa Township, Clay County, Illinois, the daughter of Clinton Hamilton Stipp and Erma Opal (Cobb) Stipp.

      She was united in marriage to Maurice Oren Payne on February 21, 1949, in Independence, Missouri.  He preceded her in passing on June 29, 1989, after celebrating 40 years of marriage.  She later married Benjamin T. Hurford on March 16, 1991, and following their 10^th anniversary, he passed away on March 25, 2001.

      Arlene was a devoted member of the Christian faith and a talented seamstress, having spent many years working in various factories.  She also enjoyed selling Avon and Tupperware.  Dancing was a real joy for her, and she enjoyed looking back on the many years filled with music and memories.

      Arlene is survived by her son: Fred (Mary) Payne of Louisville; 4 daughters: Terry (Ed) Lacey of Kinmundy, Marilyn Perry of Mansfield, Ohio, Ramona Allison of Lexington, Tennessee, and Angela Payne of Louisville; a son-in-law: Bob Yingst of Farina; 2 daughters-in-law: Sybil Payne of Wichita, Kansas, and Debbie Sparkman of Indiana; 30 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; a sister: Dortha (Dale) Yates of Flora; and a brother-in-law: Bud Bailey of Louisville.

      She was preceded in passing by both of her husbands; 2 sons: Donnie and Glenn Payne; 2 daughters: Audrey Yingst and Alice Gutierrez; 2 brothers: Dale and Bob Stipp; 3 sisters: Betty Fatheree, Velma Bailey, and Shirley Carpenter; a grandson: Robbie Yingst; 2 granddaughters: Jacqueline Yingst and Amanda Beccue; and a great-granddaughter: Jacqueline Yingst.

      A funeral ceremony will begin at 12 noon on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Josh Conley officiating.  Burial will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com