Gwen Shirley Palmer

| February 12, 2013 5:00 AM

Gwen Shirley Palmer, 75, longtime Moses Lake resident died in her home with her beloved family around her on Wednesday, February 6, 2013. Gwen was born March 26, 1937 in Salem, Idaho to Leo G. and Mary (Garner) Shirley.

Gwen was full of life and enjoyed doing just about everything! In high school she enjoyed playing softball. She was on a traveling softball team where she played catcher. She also was a cheerleader, a Harvest Ball Queen and Homecoming Queen. She graduated from Sugar-Salem High School. During this time, she dated Martell Palmer whom she married on Oct. 27, 1955 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Just two days after getting married she and her new husband packed up and moved to Moses Lake, WA on Oct. 29, 1955. Gwen and Martell drove straight out to Moses Lake and upon arriving Gwen found herself without a car during the day so she spent most of her days sitting by the lake and watching the ducks, waiting for her husband to get home from work when they would walk downtown and window shop and go to the movies. In 1956 their first son Brad was born. Then 4 yrs later, in 1959, they welcomed their second son Craig.

Later in 1959, Gwen and the family moved to Tulelake, CA. Once Gwen and her family arrived in town it didn't take long for Gwen to settle in and make it a home. She enjoyed church and the callings she received to serve in the church. She worked with the Young Women in the church, and also met many other ladies who had some of her same interests. While in Tulelake, Gwen had her own car, so she could travel to meet other ladies and quilt. During this time Gwen continued to perfect her talent in making quilts. Gwen also enjoyed going fishing with her husband and boys only if they put the worm on the hook for her! While there, Gwen made many friends with her special smile, and genuine caring for others, and she had many opportunities to host parties and to socialize.

In 1964, Gwen and her family moved back to Moses Lake. After arriving, Gwen and her husband Martell picked up right where they left off. She received church callings and made more new friends. Gwen and Martell started a second job, which soon became their life. They bought a little farm and worked long, hard hours to make the land prosper. During this time Gwen had two more children, Hollie, born in 1964 and Travis, born in 1970 but that didn't slow her down. She was always a true "Help-Mate" to her husband; she changed water, drove truck during harvest, fed baby calves milk bottles, all while holding her home together; doing the laundry, vacuuming and making sure every meal was ready for her family. Then as the years continued, she enjoyed attending and supporting her children in their many sporting events and activities, and later on her grandchildren in their sporting events. She was always her family's #1 fan and cheerleader! Later on she got a job in the Grant County Commissioners Office as a secretary. During the 23 years she worked there, she met many people who came to know her loving personality, and many special friendships were created.

Gwen took pride in having her yard looking nice. She enjoyed mowing her grass a particular way so the tire tracks were straight and the grass as short as possible. Gwen was a dedicated, life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved it. She lived it. She served selflessly and valiantly in many callings: Ranging from Sunbeam teacher to Relief Society President. She spent many hours in service and showing love and would always put others before herself.

Gwen is survived by her beloved family, her eternal companion and husband of more than 57 years, R. Martell Palmer, four children Brad (Melode) Palmer, Craig (Stacie) Palmer, Hollie (Barry) Kent and Travis (Sara) Palmer; 17 grandchildren: Shane (Vanessa), Eric (Ashley), Kyle, Heidi Palmer, Ryan (Tamara), Todd (CJ), Matthew (Karlie), Chad Palmer, Aubrie (Colby) Tanner, Victoria (Andrew) Gregor, Peirce, Preston Kent, Ethan, Garrett, Gage, Ella and Graham Palmer; Five Great-Grandchildren: Kash Palmer, Mason and Harper Palmer, Halle Palmer and Lorenzo Gregor; siblings: Helen (Grant) Belnap, Mack (Shanna) Shirley, Bruce (Lolita) Shirley, LeeAnn (Mel) Bryson, Wade (Beth) Shirley, Leo (Karen) Shirley and Lynn ( Shawna) Shirley.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents Leo and Mary Shirley.

Gwen's family will greet friends and family at a viewing Monday, February 11 from 6 - 8 p.m., and Tuesday, February 12th 10 - 10:45 a.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Moses Lake Stake Center, 1515 S. Division St., Moses Lake, WA 98837. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Brett Bergeson, Moses Lake 6th Ward conducting. Burial and concluding services will immediately follow in Pioneer Memorial Gardens, Moses Lake.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and sign the online guestbook at www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Gwen's family has asked Carver Family Funeral Home to care for arrangements.