Charlan Payne

Charlan was born Dec. 14, 1957, in Lancaster, California. She grew up in Hanford and began her career in food and hospitality management at a very early age; and in the early 80s, moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas to work with her sister, Mary, at Coy's Steakhouse.

As was the case at Coy's Steakhouse, she began working through the ranks; first as a cocktail waitress, quickly advancing to server, assistant manager and became the General Manager in the roaring 90s. She led the restaurant until it burned in 2009. After the fire, Charlan transferred to Colton's Steakhouse where she worked until her retirement in 2014.

Charlan was an expert event planner and had the honor of planning evenings and dinners for presidents, their families, Hollywood stars, including Chuck Norris and Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger, that she creatively disguised and hid so they could enjoy their evenings, Miss Americas and all of the thoroughbred horse racing royalty and their fans.

Charlan's passion, though, was being at home decorating, cooking and baking for her husband of 40 years, Ron, and her son, Ricky. Together they rescued and raised countless pets, mainly cats, and attempted to rescue all of the critters they brought home, as well.

Charlan was predeceased by brother, Currie Hawk Stephens, sister, Rebecca Ann (Becky) Rodgers and stepfather, Joe Mattos.

Charlan is survived by her mother, Dorothy Mattos, husband, Ron and son, Ricky, sister, Mary Stephens O'Donnell (Steve), niece, Renee Buckley (Brian) and grandnieces, Barrett, Campbell and Tess, best friend, Tracy Manning Brown and countless employees and customers that she considered family.

Charlan requested no services be held and that all attention go to the humane society or places who served animals in need. In lieu of flowers, send donations of money or food to your closest humane society.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gregory St. John and the ICU staff at National Park Medical Center for their care and support of Charlan.

Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.