Nell P. Palmer

To Nell Palmer, there was no greater place to be than surrounded by her beloved family whom she cherished, and Nell herself was the glue that held them all together. Nell was a loving and devoted wife and mother who treasured each day she was given, embracing both the peaks and valleys along life’s journey. Nell was a compassionate and kind woman who could always find the good in everyone and an unkind word never slipped from her lips, her heart encompassing all who were placed in her path.

The dawn of the 1920’s was marked by our nation’s transition from a time of war to a time of peace and prosperity with the end of WWI, in 1918. Eli and Carrie (Rector) Ray, of Jacksboro, Tennessee were preparing for a transition of their own as well; as Carrie was due to give birth to their baby at anytime. They were indeed blessed on August 19, 1920 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Nell. During this decade, America became the richest nation on earth, a culture of consumerism was born, and large families were a common occurrence and Nell’s family was no exception. She grew up in Tennessee as one of seven children in her family, a blessing that was a great source of pride for Nell throughout her entire lifetime.

Life took an exciting turn for Nell when on December 15, 1940 she married her sweetheart, Wayne W. Palmer, whom she met while in Wisconsin. This union was the beginning of a new chapter in a love story which would span nearly 40 years. The couple was soon blessed with three children of their own and Nell completely embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into caring for the needs of her children. Nell filled her family member’s hearts with love and their stomachs with her scrumptious meals and could seem to cook anything well, from biscuits and gravy and fried chicken, to German potato salad too. Nell filled her children with her unconditional love and was supportive of them as well.

In addition to caring for her family, Nell enjoyed her work in the fabrics department at L.S. Ayers, a department store located in Indianapolis that in 2006 was subsumed into the newly created Macy’s Midwest. During her working days, Nell also enjoyed the historic Ayers Tearoom, which boasted of truly elegant surroundings located in the department store itself. Such tearooms were common during this time period and were originally designed to keep the customers in the store during their shopping day. The Ayers Tearoom was especially known for its velvet chicken soup and has been reopened within the Indiana State Museum and contains many of the original furnishings and accessories as well. Nell worked at L.S. Ayers for 25 years before she retired in 1978 and she was additionally recognized as a very accomplished seamstress.

When Nell had some leisure time, there were activities and hobbies that she enjoyed pursuing. She loved writing poetry and delighting in the beautiful flowers that Wayne tenderly cared for. Nell truly enjoyed nature and often spent time on her deck, watching the hummingbirds and deer, just drinking in the splendor all around her. When grandchildren arrived, Nell adored them and spent as much time just relishing in their company as she could. Faith was important to Nell and she was a member of the Monrovia United Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star as well.

Christmas was an important time of the year for Nell and she strove to make it special for her family. Nell lovingly prepared for Christmas each year, establishing traditions that will be forever cherished. Making Christmas cookies is one of the fondest memories that her children and grandchildren treasure as it was a production that touched their hearts every year. Each year when Christmas Eve finally arrived, all of her children, and later great grandchildren, looked forward to the memories they would make with grandma and great-grandma on that joyous occasion.

Later in life, Nell moved to Miller’s Merry Manor in Mooresville, where she continued making new friends as others were always drawn to her, due to her warm demeanor and sensitive heart. Nell felt fortunate to receive such tender care during her days at the manor as well.

Whether she was enjoying an elegant lunch in the afternoon, writing a piece of poetry, or baking Christmas cookies surrounded by the laughter of her grandchildren, Nell Palmer carried herself with kindness, gentleness, and compassion. She enjoyed the beauty of nature and the company of her church family, filling her soul with a sense of peace. Nell was a devoted to her family and always made them her top priority, spending her days making memories which they will forever cherish. She will be dearly missed.

Nell P. Palmer of Monrovia died April 4, 2009, in Miller’s Merry Manor. Nell’s family includes her children, Wayne R. Palmer (Sharon) of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Gene A. Palmer (Sydney) of Monrovia, Yvonne C. Johnson (Steve) of Monrovia; brother, Vance Ray of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; 8 grandchildren; and16 great grandchildren. Nell was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne W. Palmer on February 29, 1980 and by her siblings, Chester, Glenn, Andy, H.D., and Vesta. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 10 a.m., in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville, IN, where you may visit with her friends and family on Monday, April 6, 2009, from 4-8 p.m. Rev. Gordon Esterline will officiate the service. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall, Indiana. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Monrovia United Methodist Church.