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Elizabeth Palmatier

November 22, 2017
Richland, MI

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Elizabeth Kay "Beth" Palmatier of Richland, MI Beth, age 66, sadly passed away on Wednesday afternoon, November 22, 2017. She was born in Battle Creek on November 2, 1951, the loving daughter of Albert Earl and Elizabeth Jane (Cranwell) Baker and graduated from Athens High School with the Class of 1969. Beth had a beautiful singing voice, and in her early years she often sang at local talent shows, school activities, weddings and funerals. Beth retired from Gull Lake Schools in 2016 after more than 27 years of faithful service. She had previously served at Paul H. Dowd Independent Accountants, Battle Creek, Mid-State & Union Electric Supply, Battle Creek, Asgrow International (a Subsidiary of the Upjohn Co.), Kalamazoo, and the Gull Lake Area Community Church, Richland. Beth married Brian Lee Palmatier at the Our Savior Lutheran Church in Union City on August 24, 1969 and then joined him in Jacksonville (Mayport), Florida where he was stationed in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, they returned home to Battle Creek, where Brian started his college career and Beth entered the workforce. After her husbands' college graduation and subsequent employment, they resided briefly in Kalamazoo before settling down in Richland in 1977, where they raised all four of their children in the community she loved. Beth is survived by her husband of more than 48 years, Brian; four children, Catherine (James) Curtis of Galesburg, Laura (Jeffery) Corstange of Richland, Daniel (Jennifer) Palmatier of Kalamazoo, and Joseph Palmatier of Kalamazoo; her grandchildren, Andrew, Ellie & Cole Curtis, Madelyn, Tyler, Grace & Owen Corstange, and Jacob & Kaitlyn Palmatier; a sister, Karol (David) Willison of Battle Creek; brothers, Kenneth (Barbara) Baker, Douglas (Jane) Baker, and Keith (Leslie) Baker, all of Battle Creek; and several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her son, Matthew James Palmatier. Beth is a Charter Member of the Gull Lake Community Church (now the Living Hope Community Church), where she served as church secretary, church cabinet officer and Youth Group Leader. She served as a trustee for the Richland Township Planning Committee and a member of the Richland Township Park Planning Committee. Beth was active with the Gull Lake Community Volunteers, Gull Lake Schools Sports & Band Boosters, Gull Lake Youth Baseball Program, held various offices for the Gull Lake PTO, and loved reading to Gull Lake Students. She was the #1 Gull Lake Blue Devil Fan, particularly attending & enjoying all the various sports and events associated with her children and grandchildren the "Spirit" of her life. Beth was awarded the 2016 "Outstanding Advocate Award" from the Michigan Alternative Education Organization (MAEO) for her work with the Alternative students at the Gull Lake Gateway Academy of Gull Lake Community Schools. The Memorial Service to celebrate Beth's life will be held on Saturday, December 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the Living Hope Community Church, 9292 East CD Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 with Rev. Todd J. TerAvest, officiating. Family and friends will gather at the Church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the service time to share memories of Beth. A time of fellowship and a luncheon will immediately follow Beth's service in the Church's Social Hall. Final interment will be in Prairie Home Cemetery, Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Beth's honor may be directed to the Gull Lake Community Schools Foundation (Check Memo: Beth Palmatier - Gateway Academy), 11775 East D Avenue, Richland, MI 49083 or the Living Hope Community Church (see address above). The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Beth's family with her arrangements.