Obituary of Donna M. Palmer

Donna M. (Babcock) Palmer, 88, of Battle Creek, passed from this life on Friday, July 27, 2012 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, following a lengthy illness. She was born on March 13, 1924 in Battle Creek to the late Ervin and Emma (McKeever) Babcock. On May 18, 1940 Donna married the love of her life Arliff "Art" Palmer at a ceremony in Battle Creek. Donna was always a hard worker. She, along with her husband, raised seven children. Donna also worked for many years outside of the home both in food service and hospitality. She worked for the Best Western in Kalamazoo for over fifteen years where she was a supervisor. Donna was faithful to her church and was an active musician for many years, playing both piano and organ for several churches. She loved to worship and often was an encouragement to many. She was most recently a member of New Hope Apostolic Church in Marshall. Donna enjoyed working crossword puzzles, was an avid reader, and loved to go fishing. Spending time with her family was always a highlight. She was known by her grandkids as "Hot Rod Grandma" for her fast driving abilities. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she has touched. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arliff "Art" Palmer, a son Arliff "Junior" Palmer II, four grandchildren, two brothers Rollo and Ervin II and four sisters; Dora, Addie, Neitabelle and Barbara. Donna is survived five daughters; Shirley (Willis) McBride of Battle Creek, Julia "Judy" (Willis) Brown of Battle Creek, Ardith Oliver of Plainwell, Rachel Douglas of Battle Creek and Ruth Ann Combs of Battle Creek, a son Rickey Palmer of Battle Creek, twenty five grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. A time of visitation will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at New Hope Apostolic Church in Marshall. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Douglas Fleury officiating. An interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Garden in Battle Creek. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna's memory New Hope Apostolic Church 13416 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068.