Obituary of Ethel H. Palmer

Ethel Helena Palmer, 89, of Battle Creek, fought the good fight and finished her course peacefully on Monday, March 21, 2011 with her family by her side at Battle Creek Health Systems. She was born to the late Harry and Eva (Styfunick) Pursell on February 23, 1922 in Battle Creek, Michigan. When she was 19 years old she fell in love with Roy Palmer Jr, and after only a short courtship they wed and shared over 47 years of marriage until he passed in 1989. Ethel's life was always built around her walk with God and her cherished family. From a very young age she learned to lean on God and her faith was unwavering and deep. Her and her husband were always very involved in church and Ethel was the church pianist for many years. As long as Ethel's health permitted she could be found in the house of God and was a member of New Hope Apostolic Church. She was not only a devoted wife, but also a dedicated mother, a proud grandmother and a doting great and great-great grandmother. Having her family around brought much enjoyment and happiness to her life. Her hands were never idle, she loved quilting and knitting and was known for her footies and dishcloths. She once even wrote a children's book entitled, "Fluffy" . Fishing was also a favorite pastime and when she spent time indoors she enjoyed crossword puzzles and reading, especially her beloved Bible. Preceding Ethel are her parents, her husband Roy, a son Michael (Mickey) Palmer, a great-grandson Zachary Palmer, two brothers, Henry Ford Pursell and Carl Pursell, and four sisters; Isabel Pursell, Mary Westwood, Doris Ryder and Emma Frady. She will be greatly missed by her three sons, Harry (Sandy) Palmer of Weidman, Michigan, Luke (Becky) Palmer of Delton, Michigan, Herbert Palmer of Battle Creek , her daughter Janet Palmer-Blevins of Battle Creek and Michael's surviving spouse Elaine Palmer-Garrison of Battle Creek. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren and one brother Eugene (Juanita) Pursell of Battle Creek. Visitation will be Friday at New Hope Apostolic Church 13416 W. Michigan Ave.; Marshall, MI 49068 from 4-7 p.m. Services will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Douglas Fleury officiating. Memorial Donations may be made to New Hope Apostolic Church Building Fund.