"i know it's been a while. but there's not one day where payton is not on my mind. i never would have expected this to happen in my life, and this will forever change me. it already has. his death has changed who i am, and how i will grow up to be. he will always be in my heart. "i'm sorry" seems like such an understatement. i cannot explain the pain i have and will forever have. it's been months, and i still cry at least once a week. i cannot imagine how payton's family must feel, i really can't. he was so loved. and he still is. he is in heaven. even though i know we all wish he was back here, on earth, with us- heaven is better for him. god just needed him to come home, which meant taking him away from his home here. but he's safe. and happy. i miss him greatly, and i am so so so so so so very sorry. fly high, payton scott tenney. we love and miss you."
In loving memory of
Payton Scott Tenney
March 22, 2003 - October 2, 2016
Although he was taken from his loved ones much too soon, Payton Tenney touched the lives of so many in his brief time here. He was loving and compassionate with a servants heart that touched so many others. Payton was a loving son and brother who had a special place in his heart for children - perhaps because he was still such a kid at heart. With his outgoing and fun-loving personality, he was a friend to many, and he wasnt one who needed the spotlight as Payton mastered what it means to be a team player. Life will never be the same without him here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.
By the year 2003, the buzz about Y2K was long gone, and people were back to life as normal. Finding Nemo, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and The Matrix Reloaded brought us to the movie theater while JK Rowlings fifth Harry Potter book was released. This same year was a year to remember in the lives of Richard and Ann (Earnhart) Tenney as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child as March unfolded in Columbia City, Indiana. Their wait was over on March 22nd when the baby boy they named Payton Scott drew his first breath at Dupont Hospital in Ft. Wayne. He was the older of two sons born to his parents as he was joined in his family by his younger brother, Owen. Paytons life was later enriched with his two more siblings, Zizi and Briggs.
In many ways Payton was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed riding bikes, spending time with his grandpas, playing baseball, playing video games and shooting air-soft guns with his friends. He truly enjoyed being involved with his youth group at Broadway Christian Church in Ft. Wayne. This past summer he finished up his first mission trip as he traveled to an Indian Reservation in Arizona. As a student Payton attended preschool at First Church of God and then went on to Northern Heights Elementary School. He was currently an 8th grader at Indian Springs Middle School where he also played basketball. Payton always enjoyed golf, either playing with his mom or heading to Magic Hills Golf Course to play a round with his friends. Payton loved visiting Chicago, going hunting and fishing, and watching shows like American Pickers, Bear Grylls, the creator of Man vs. Wild and the show his dad introduced him to when Rich was younger, MacGyver. Christmas was always a special time of the year for Payton as he enjoyed looking at all the decorations.
There was never anything of greater importance in Payton than his loved ones. With a love for children he enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sisters. Payton was a hard worker who liked working on his grandpas farm, and just recently he learned to drive one of the farm trucks. He also enjoyed mowing with the zero-turn mower so much that he would regularly ask if the lawn was ready for him to mow again. With his mom he loved doing things like golfing and running in some races including the Monster Dash 5k when he dressed up as Boba Fett, the bounty hunter from Star Wars and the Rat Race dressed as Darth Vader. Payton enjoyed watching MacGyver and Bears football with his father and was looking forward to going to watch them play at Soldier Field in December.
Quiet, loving, and gentle, Payton Tenney was such an extraordinary young man. He was intuitive and sensitive to the needs and feelings of those around him, and his love for his family was easy to see. Payton was a friend to many and so much fun to be around as he had an approachable and genuine demeanor that drew others near. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.
Payton Scott Tenney, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2016. Paytons family includes his mom, Ann Earnhart-Tenney of Columbia City; dad and step-mom, Rich and Shannon Tenney of Fort Wayne; brothers, Owen Tenney and Briggs Tenney ; sister, Zizi Tenney; grandparents, Judy Earnhart of South Whitley, N. Fay and Suzanne Earnhart, of Kimmell, Robert and Georgia Tenney, of Pierceton and Vince and Marcia Campbell, of Ft. Wayne; great-grandparents, Kap Becker, of Houston, Texas, Ralph Thomas, of Fort Wayne, Rosemary Piebenga, of South Whitley, Lois Dufendach, of Fort Wayne, and John and Mary Campbell, of Fort Wayne; uncles and aunts, James Tenney, Leslie and Troy Stapleton and Candice and Brandon Campbell; and numerous cousins. Payton was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Woodrow and Goldie Tenney, Richard Becker, Edwina Thomas, Owen C. and Kathryn Earnhart, Bernard Piebenga and Tom Dufendach.
Visitation is 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at First Church of God, 1200 Depoy Dr., Columbia City with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Ryan Cochran of Broadway Christian Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery where he will be laid to rest by his great-grandparents, Owen and Kathryn Earnhart. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made in Paytons memory to Broadway Christian Churchs youth group program. To send Paytons family condolences, visit www.demoneygrimes.com.
Tributes
"Prayers and thoughts go out to the family of Mr. Payton Tenney"
"It is our hope and Gods promise that we will be together again. We will miss seeing him play ball in the neighborhood. He was a great teen."
"I am heartbroken for you and your family. My prayers are with you."
"God has gained a very sweet angel"
"To the Family of Payton Scott Tenney,I am so sorry to hear of Payton's tragic passing. My heart is aching for you during this very difficult time. Even though I don't you or Payton, he seemed to be a very handsome young man. Payton will be missed by everyone who was close to him, myself included. No one deserves to die this young, he had his whole life in front of him, and now he's gone. If I had the chance to meet him, I would say what a wonderful and bright young man you are. Don,t think of him as gone forever, just think of the fun times you had with him. May God be with you during this very difficult time to guide you and bless you in the days and weeks ahead. Soon you will be reunited with Payton as a family forever in Heaven. You now have a very special angel watching over you.Payton, until we meet face to face in Heaven, may God hold you in the palm of his hand, and always walk with Jesus hand in hand.MAY PAYTON SCOTT TENNEY, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD REST IN PEACE.Payton Scott Tenney03/22/2003-10/02/2016 (AGE 13)May God Bless You All,Greg Schafbuch"
"Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.Our deepest Sympathy,Deb & Steve Earnhart"
" A GARDEN PATH was sent on October 5, 2016 May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadness, may cherished memories being you moments of comfort, may lasting peace surround your grieving heart. We grieve with HOPE. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Praying for you and your family, Nick and Brittney Prentice "
"Our hearts go out to you all as we cannot even imagine the sorrow in your hearts and the loss you are feeling. May God give you strength to find comfort and make peace somehow. Please know we are thinking about you and grieve along side you. Bless you all and God Bless Payton."
"You will be in our family's thoughts and prayers for continued strength to get through this difficult time."
"I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for Owen and what he is going through. He will always have a special place in my heart."
"While there are not enough words or appropriate words to express our sorrow for the pain you are all going through, we want you to know we are thinking of you and praying for comfort to get you through this journey. We hope you can find peace, love and support in God and one another. Payton was a lucky boy to have such a loving family in all of you."
" A DIGNITYIN WHITEPEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was sent on October 4, 2016 Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I pass along my deepest condolences. Steve Decker "
"You are in hearts and prayers at this time."
" A TROPICAL DISH GARDEN WITH FRESH FLOWERS was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
"We will miss you, our friend and brother, because that is what you and Owen are to us. We will never be able to play football again in the backyard without thinking of you. Look for our fireworks on the 4th of July we'll be lighting them off for you."
"Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time."
"Know that our hearts are breaking... May God hold you all tightly in His loving arms. Your neighbors, Ed and Marlene Fenstermacher and family"
"Ann, Rich, and families. Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Our Scott will meet with him in heaven and wait for us all. May God be with you now and in the years ahead."
" A TABLE BASKET was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
"Dear Georgia,I don't know your family, but this breaks my heart for all of you. There are no words to comfort right now, but know that there are so many warriors standing in the gap for you.Holding you close,Susan Mullett (Riecke)"
"Dear Fay, Suzanne and Family,We are saddened and have heavy hearts for you with the loss of your beloved Payton. We pray for your comfort and know God will surround all with his loving arms. Keep memories of wonderful times in your heart forever. Love, Jack and Mary "
" A MONET'S GARDEN TABLE BASKET was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
"While reading the obits your son's passing brought tears to my eyes. I too lost a son recently, a grown son. My heart aches for you, may God give us both peace to deal with our loss."
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
"I'm so sorry, Payton was a good friend, he was always there for me. He is in a better place."
"We are sick inside and our hearts are breaking for you. Prayers are constantly sent your way and know that we love you all. One can never understand this tragedy......only hope that God takes charge and gives you a peace that only He can give."
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent by Jill Hartley Brothers on October 4, 2016 "
"Payton was a joy to coach in baseball. I always knew he would come to practice or a game with a smile on his face ready to play ball. My heart breaks along with yours and I can not find the words to express my deepest sympathies. May Christ walk with you through these tough times. God Bless!"
"This is Payton's friend Connor and I just wanted to say I am sorry and my heart hurts about Payton. I am homeschooled now so I haven't seen him in awhile but he was a good friend and so funny and he was never a bad student. He always made people smile. My mom is letting me post this to you and we are praying for you a lot. I hope you feel Jesus close to you right now. Connor Week 13 years old"
" A RAY OF SUNSHINE was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
" A GARDEN PATH was sent by Teresa, Lazarus & Lila O'Connell & Dorothy Brown on October 4, 2016 "
"Judy,I am so sorry for the loss of your grandson, many prayers being sent your way for you and your family. Love,Chad, Erica & Dalton Stephan"
" A GRANDMA'S GARDENTABLE BASKET was ordered on October 4, 2016 "
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on October 4, 2016 Praying for your peace and comfort. We love you, Clint and Courtney Jenkins "
"Sending lots of prayers for Payton's family and friends. May God comfort you during this tragic time."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for you and your family at this time of grief."
"Nothing will erase your pain at this moment in time. But know that this child touched so many and will remain a part of each of you forever. God bless all the family and prayers of peace headed your way."
"Tenny Family,I know this is a sad time for you all but always know God is taking good care of him up in heaven. ISMS students have been deeply praying for you all."
" A THE COLOR OF MEMORIESTABLE ARRANGEMENT was sent on October 4, 2016 Our prayers are with all of you. With love from Valerie, Marcy and families "
"I am a mother... who feels heartache.... for your family. a thread separates my life from yours.NO one thinks this could happen to them. NO one can understand why...I am so sorry. Have prayed, and will continue to pray for your family."
"Please know you have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your grandson. Went to school with Fay & Suzanne. May the memories help you with your grief. Stay close to the Lord as He will comfort you. In Jesus name, Sherri"
"We do not know your family, however, we live in Whitley County and this hit my wife and I very hard. We have children around Payton's age and my wife and I would just like to send our deepest condolences to your entire family. No words can make the pain you are feeling go away, but just know that you are in our thoughts. We hope that you are surrounded by people who will help you through this unimaginable time, and that with time, you find the peace you deserve. Again, just know that while we do not know you, you are in our thoughts : )"
"May each of you find courage to face tomorrow as you rest in the knowledge that we truly care about each of your needs and that we will be here to walk beside you in your journey of grief.Randy Grimes, Brett Gerber and the Staff of DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home"
"Ann,There are absolutely no words to express how sorry I am for your loss. My heart aches for what you must be feeling. I'm sending my most sincere & heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family at this difficult time."
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Payton."
"The family of PaytonWe were saddened of the Death of Payton. Praying for all of you. We don't understand but God be with all of you and comfort you at this time. Sending Hugs to all of you that hope be yours today and in the days to come as you lean on Him for strength, comfort and and encouragement." THE LORD IS CLOSE TO THE BROKENHEARTED AND SAVES THOSE WHO ARE CRUSHED IN SPIRIT." Psalm 34: 18"
"Words escape me. My soul is aching for what you are going through. Hugs to you and your family."
" A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent on October 3, 2016 With our heartfelt and loving condolences, Matt and Kimm Hackworth "
"my condolences Ann Rich and family"
" A SHADES OF ELEGANCE was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
"My Sincerest Condolences !! My Heart is broken !! Love thoughts and Prayers for Family And Friends !!"
"We are so sorry to hear of this loss. May you find comfort in the arms of Jesus in the midst of this difficult time."
"We, The Compassionate Friends, want you to know that you are not alone in your grief and loneliness. As parents who have also lost our child we understand your pain. The loss of a child is like no other loss. We are here to support and walk this journey with you. Sharon Brockhaus & The Compassionate Friends, Columbia City, IN Chapter "
" A THE COLOR OF MEMORIESTABLE ARRANGEMENT was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
"Payton, Little buddy, our little Jimmy! Ohh how I miss you already. My heart is broken. Our family will never be the same without you. You lit up a room with that smile of yours! So many things that I want to tell you. I will cherish our last talk we had forever. Until we meet again. Love, Aunt Jennie"
"Ann and Family,We are heartbroken to hear about Payton. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Trent & Meghan Lawrence"
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
"You are on my heart and in my prayers. God bless you all."
" A SPATHIPHYLLUM was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
" An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
"Rich and Ann,So very sorry for your loss. You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers."
"Our thoughts and prayers are going out for all of you Ann Marie .May God watch over you today and in the days ahead. Love you all."
"Dear family of Payton, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you are all in our hearts and prayers."
"Ann and Judy~ My heart aches for you knowing what your are going through. What a special boy he was to you all. We know that you will see him again one day soon. I hope Kurt is meeting him in Heaven and showing him around and giving him the tour.. I know he will be missed by you all. Keep his memory alive.. You will be in my prayers all the time"
" A GRANDMA'S GARDENTABLE BASKET was ordered on October 3, 2016 "
"I am sorry for your loss. I am praying."
"Ann, please know that we will keep you in our prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. God's love to you and your family."
"There are no words that one can possibly say in these situations..... sorry seems so inadequate but we are so deeply sorry for your loss. We will add you all to our daily prayers. May you find comfort in the Lord and may HE hold you all during this time of mourning and the days to come. Much love and prayers. The Hammels."
"May the Lord wrap you in His loving arms during your time of loss."
"Ann, Owen and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of Peyton. He was such a sweet, thoughtful young man and had the most beautiful smile. Our loss is so hard to accept. May God be with you in this time of need."
"I am so sorry Ann. I'm thinking of you and your family."
"Our thought and prayers are with your family in this tragic time. May you find comfort in the LORD knowing Peyton is with HIM and always in your hearts. The Maggert Family"
"You are all in my thoughts and prayers, I will miss him."
"Bob and Georgia,Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. May God comfort you and your family."
"We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. You are all in our constant thoughts and prayers. We will always cherish the memories we have with Payton in Anna Maria Island and the times we were able to stayed connected over FaceTime. He will be incredibly missed, but never forgotten. "
"Ann,My heart aches for what you and your family are going through. Prayers that He strengthens you and brings you peace and comfort. Lifting you and your family up,Jennifer"
"Rich, Shannon, Owen, Zizi, Briggs, Vince & Marcia Words can never express our sincere condolences. We pray that the Lord of all comfort will envelope you with His sweet presence and comfort at this time and in days, weeks, months and years to come. Remember it's one day at a time...Payton, my boy, you will be missed and you are loved!"
"Our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you all."
"Ann. I have no words to express how very sad I am for your family right now ! I do rest assured that as Payton entered the gates of Heaven he was received by Aunt Sue Elkins to once again take care of him until you meet again !! Please accept our sympathy and prayers at this time. With much love Rich and Linda Stayer"