Sophia Maryn Payne

Our beloved Sophia Maryn Payne, 14, returned to her loving Heavenly Father on July 24, 2025, in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, while surrounded by her loving family.

Sophia was born on May 17, 2011 in Henderson, Nevada. Sophia was the third daughter of her proud parents and adored by her older sister Jaden and Savannah. She was a happy baby with a smile that would light up a room. She had a sweet and easy going temperament.

Sophia was a devoted sister and daughter. She had special relationships with each of her family members. From a very young age, Sophia was protective of her sister Savannah, who has special needs. She was always taking care of and watching out for Savannah.

Sophia was also aware of others and sensitive to their needs, allowing her to connect with everyone.

Sophia had so many friends, spanning all ages, genders, and abilities. She had no problem approaching anyone to strike up a conversation. Her magnetic personality drew others to her. She was known for her boisterous greetings and witty sense of humor. She had a fun and silly side that would leave you laughing hysterically. You could find her hanging out with her friends and cousins, making tiktoks, playing games, watching movies, shopping and talking for hours. She had a gift of making everyone feel special.

Sophia excelled in her academics at Ranch View Middle school, achieving honor roll status.

She had a deep love of music and loved to play the cello in the school orchestra, where she made cherished friendships. She was bold and was never afraid to be herself.

Sophia was an amazing chef and would thoughtfully cook for her family before heading off to practice. For each holiday she would gather the decorations and put them up around the house. She made each celebration magical and special. She even began collecting her own decorations and had a box full for each holiday to decorate her bedroom.

Sophia was an amazing three sport athlete. She was a fierce competitor and a loyal teammate. Her passion was evident by how quickly she excelled in each sport. Sophia competed on her Track and Field team, setting PR’s and improving at the shotput and discus at each meet. She placed 2nd and 3rd for these events at the District meet in May. She spent her summer competing with the ThunderRidge girls basketball team, showcasing her tenacious defensive skills and making offensive shots on the court. Sophia recently began playing girls flag football with ThunderRidge. She loved playing with all of her teammates and gave 110% on the court and on the field. In 2025, her academic and athletic achievements earned Sophia a Women & Girls in Sports Award from the Douglas County School District.

Sophia served as the class president of her young women's class at church. She led by example and loved all her friends in her class. She had a way of seeing the best in others and making sure to always include everyone. She made everyone feel seen and loved unconditionally. Sophia spent weekends serving in the community with her family, and found joy in serving with the non profit, We Don’t Waste.

Sophia loved to travel with her family. She loved taking selfies in new destinations and documenting the fun locations.

She never backed down from a challenge, whether it was a game, a new experience, or standing up for what she believed in. Her boldness was always balanced by her remarkable kindness and ability to make every person she encountered feel special and seen.

Sophia’s favorite scripture was:

“Look unto me in every thought, doubt not; fear not.”- Doctrine & Covenants 6:36

Her family finds strength as they turn to the Savior. They find peace knowing that they will be together forever as a family thanks to a loving Heavenly Father.

Sophia is survived by her loving family: parents Brad and Rachelle; sisters Jaden and Savannah; her dog Maddie; Grandparents Steven and Linda Payne, and Keevin and Judy Willis; aunts and uncles Steven (Becky) Payne, Trent (Erika) Payne, Shaun (April) Payne, Todd (Kelsey) Payne, Monica (Ira) Latham, Jen (Blake) Clarkson, Justin Willis, Karlee (Ryan) Walker - 31 first cousins and many more extended family, friends, and teammates.

Sophia will be missed deeply, remembered always and loved forever.

All are welcome to join us and wear pink as we celebrate Sophia’s life. The wake will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 6 to 8pm (MST) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 9790 Foothills Canyon Blvd, Highlands Ranch, Colorado 80129. The celebration of her life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 10am (MST) at the same church building.

For those unable to attend in person, here is a link to view the services virtually: https://zoom.us/j/99168539661

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFund Me account to sponsor personalized coaching for middle and high school athletes in the community. https://www.gofundme.com/f/sophias-legacy-sponsor-aspiring-athletes

The Payne family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the outpouring of love and support through the messages, meals, flowers, cards and prayers.