Mabel June Hurst Palmer

March 12, 1937 ~ February 21, 2020

Mabel June Hurst Palmer was born March 12, 1937 to Phil and Mabel Wright Hurst in Provo, UT. 

Mabel June had four older brothers and two sisters. She had a happy childhood where she made many great friends. Some of those friendships would last a lifetime. 

She grew up in Blanding and attended San Juan High School, where she was involved with the music program. It was through accompanying operetta that she fell in love with her sweetheart, William Ellis Palmer. They were married on June 7, 1954 in the Manti Temple. Mabel was 17 when they were married. 

They are the proud parents of five children: Shirley (Bruce) Anderson, Wayne Ellis (Renee) Palmer, Sally (Ken) Bishoff, Thomas Philip (Karie) Palmer, and Clayton Hurst (Kim) Palmer. 

She was a marvelous cook, gardener, and seamstress. She crocheted many baby afghans, full-sized afghans, and baby outfits that she gave as gifts. 

Mabel June was a wonderful pianist and organist, and led many choirs. She wrote scripts, music, poetry, and also directed a pageant (script and music) for the 100th celebration of the Hole in the Rock, entitled Legend. 

Mabel June was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many callings. She served as organist, chorister, Stake Relief Society President, and in the Stake Primary. She loved Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and loved the time spent learning of them and serving them. 

Mabel June is survived by five children, 24 grandchildren, and 64 great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by husband William Ellis Palmer; parents Phil and Mabel; brothers Terry, Scott, Howard, and Leonard; sisters Margie and Lois;  and granddaughter Tina Anderson Fessler. 

The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff at Four Corners Regional Care Center and her many friends who have taken time to visit her. She has been loved by many wonderful people, especially a group of life-long friends. She truly has the best friends in the world. 

There will be a celebration in honor of Mabel June on February 28, 2020 at the Blanding Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (at 88 W 800 N).

The viewing is from 9 to 11:30 a.m., with funeral services following at noon.