Payton Dru Parrotte

May 25, 2000 - August 20, 2016

Payton Dru Parrotte, 16, of Rockford went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 20, 2016. Born on May 25, 2000 in Elgin, son of Justice and Dani (Maj) Parrotte. Payton accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized when he was in 5th grade. He loved the Lord, and loved leading people to a relationship with Christ. Payton truly lived out his walk with Christ on a daily basis. His mom said that it was a beautiful thing to watch her beloved son worship in church. He was an active volunteer at Heartland Community Church in the Launch Children’s Ministry where he served each week. He loved teaching the children lessons and Bible verses. Payton loved his friends at Heartland, including those in his small group where he was active in the Delta teen ministry, where he participated in activities and mission trips. For someone so young, Payton had an amazing faith. He was embarking on his senior year of high school at Rockford Lutheran. He was a member of the Cross Country Team, and was an amazing wrestler. Payton was recognized as a Scholastic All Scholar Athlete, in Cross Country and Wrestling. He was active in student government, serving as the Junior/Senior Class Treasurer. Payton participated in Math Team and was a member of Key Club, Eco Club and National Honor Society. He was employed as a caddy at Rockford Country Club. Payton was a kind and compassionate leader and an amazing friend. He loved his younger siblings with all his heart. His passing leaves a huge void in the lives his family, and his beloved circle of friends. Survivors include his parents, Justice and Dani; siblings, Hope and Kyson, all of Rockford; grandparents, Della Jo (Mikey) Harris of Bloomington; Aunts and Uncles, Charity Garner of Normal, Bethany Harris of Atlanta, GA, Michael (Renee) Harris of Bloomington, AJ Harris of Bloomington, Christa Harris of Chicago; several cousins, and God Parents, Lou Soto of Libertyville and Jennifer Williamson of Mercer Island, WA. Preceded in death by his Aunt, Brooke Maj, great-grandmothers, Jane Huppert and Nona Harris; and great-grandfather, Andy Harris. Visitation on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, Main Auditorium; 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford. Additional visitation on Friday, August 26, 2016 from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church, followed by a Celebration of Payton’s life at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to Rockford Lutheran High School, c/o the Business Office, 3411 N. Alpine Rd. Rockford, for a scholarship to be established in Payton’s name. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.