Payton Allie Slaymaker

Payton Allie Slaymaker, 10 ½, Claypool, peacefully drifted into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ surrounded by her loving family at home, Wednesday, April 21, 2021. She battled diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a type of cancer that Payton was diagnosed with in 2019. She finished her courageous battle at 9:45 p.m. and a deep sense of loss came over the hearts of her loved ones as well as the realization that Payton is free and whole again in Heaven!

She was born Oct. 17, 2010, in Elkhart, to her proud parents, Kimberly Allison (Stafford) Slaymaker and Andrew Lee Slaymaker.

Payton attended Claypool Elementary School and was in the fourth grade. She was a beautiful little girl with a big smile who absolutely loved joking, singing and dancing. She was never shy about performing her dance routines in front of an audience all dressed up and having the time of her life. Payton loved being a big sister to Avery and never tired of getting her fingernails and toenails painted different pretty colors. Her unwavering faith during her battle helped renew other’s belief in God. She has impacted thousands of people with her bravery and courage, and through that, her story will live on. There will never be another feisty red head like Payton. A little girl with a heart of gold, with the strength of a lion. She was full of life and dearly loved her family and church family at Gospel Hill Church. In her short ten years she touched the hearts of many and will forever be loved and cherished by her family and friends. The family sincerely thanks everyone who took time to pray for Payton and showing their love, support, and encouragement through their journey.

She will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Kim and Andrew Slaymaker, and her little sister, Avery, Claypool. She also leaves behind her grandparents: Geri Slaymaker, Pierceton; Sam and Carol Slaymaker, Pierceton; Jim and Wanda Stafford, Claypool; great-grandparents: Wayne and Diann Slaymaker, Pierceton; and Jim and Doris Stafford, Warsaw.

Visitation will be held from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, April 25, at Gospel Hill Church, 303 S. Jefferson Street, Silver Lake. Payton’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, April 26, at Gospel Hill Church and officiated by Pastor Justin Harshman. Payton will be laid to rest following her service at Lakeview Cemetery in Silver Lake. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.

Memorial donations may be directed to Gospel Hill Church, 303 S. Jefferson Street, Silver Lake, IN 46982; or to The Cure Starts Now, 10280 Chester Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215 and would be appreciated by the family.