Fern E. Palmer

Fern E. Palmer, 80, of Moses Lake, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, in Spokane, with her family by her side.

Fern was born July 9, 1927, in Ammon, Idaho, the daughter of Floyd and Elna (Pearson) Empey. After graduating from high school she married Donald Smith. To that union seven children were born. After her marriage to Don ended in a divorce, Fern met and married Clayton Palmer. The two of them traveled extensively, raising and selling livestock. Together they loved spending time with family and friends, dancing and just simply enjoying life. Clayton passed away in 1985. Fern moved from the farm into the Chestnut Grove apartments where she enjoyed life through her many friends there. She continued her education, becoming a CNA. She loved her job at the Crestview Nursing Home, working 13 years there before retiring.

Fern's faith in God was the essence of her being. She was a lifetime member of the LDS Church, active until her declining health prevented her from being so.

Fern's survivors include her seven children- Kathryn Robbins of Spokane,, Don (and Faye) Smith of Fall Branch, Tenn., Eric Smith of Electric City, Steven Smith of Springdale, Karen (and Ken) Kernan of Moses Lake, Blair (and Cory) Smith of Moses Lake, Lester (and Sally) Smith of Truckee, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Survivors also include one brother Jarl (and Shirley) Empey of Mesa, and one sister Eileen (and Jeff) Jensen of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Clayton Palmer, three brothers and granddaughter Rhonda Kernan.

Viewing will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at the Nelson Rd. Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1849 E. Nelson Rd., in Moses Lake. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, Nov. 29 in the Third Ward at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Nelson Rd.. Chapel at 11 a.m. with interment following at the Warden Cemetery.

Fern's family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the Hospice House for the loving care given Fern in her final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Fern's name to the Hospice House, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.

Arrangements in care of Affordable Funeral Options, Moses Lake.