Shirley Palmer

August 17, 1936 ~ January 25, 2020 

Shirley Palmer passed away January 25, 2020 following a short illness at the age 83 in Blanding.  

Shirley was born August 17, 1936 in Cortez, CO to Alma and Lila Barton Palmer. She was the second of seven children.  

When she was just a baby, her Aunt Laverda came to visit and said she looked like “Toby Wing,” a movie star at the time. That’s how she got her nickname “Tobe,” and it stuck with her throughout life.

During Shirley’s early years, the family spent the summers at Verdure working on the ranch until they sold it to Uncle Ervin Palmer. She would ride horses, go wading, exploring, and trap chipmunks for pets.

She loved playing with friends and cousins, sometimes getting into mischief like most kids do.

During her elementary school years, Shirley participated in plays, programs, songs, and activities and of course holiday parties. 

Shirley got the movie bug.  She would buy lots of penny post cards, write to the movie stars and ask for their pictures. She had quite a collection at one time.

Shirley learned to work at an early age and continued throughout her life. After graduating from high school she went to BYU and earned her teaching degree. She taught for a short time but decided teaching was not for her, so she worked for Parley Redd Mercantile until she retired.

Shirley served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North British Mission in England.

She shared her testimony through word and song. She was very talented and wrote many songs in word and music, which she shared with her family.

The nieces and nephews loved to go to Tobe’s to eat goodies, play games, and have sleepovers. She also supported them in their activities and made afghans and quilts for special occasions.

She also had a passion and love for Nauvoo. She participated in the Hill Cumorah Pageant, visited Nauvoo many times, and finally felt complete after attending a temple session there.

Shirley was always a faithful and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, including Primary, Young Womens, Relief Society, and as chorister and organist. She also served as an ordinance worker in the Monticello Temple and dearly loved it.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, Alma and Lila Palmer; sister, Margaret Redd; and her husband, Gordon; Arvid Black (brother-in-law); and Bart Palmer (brother). 

She is survived by sisters Ileene Black, Karma (Nyle) Bennett, and Kaye Bradford (Jerry); and brother Lyman (Clara) Palmer. Also many nephews and nieces who loved her dearly.

Funeral services were held Friday, January 25, 2020 in Blanding. Interment was in the Blanding City Cemetery.

Card of thanks

The family wishes to thank all those who have shown such great kindness through words and deeds at the time of her passing.

Margaret Redd family

Ileene Black family

Karma and Nyle Bennet family 

Kaye and Jerry Bradford family 

Lyman and Clara Palmer family