Betty Palmer

Betty J. Palmer, 76, of Jackson passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born May 11, 1936, in Jackson, daughter of Walter Leo and Jewel D Clifton Hoffmeister. She and James A. Palmer were married Sept. 22, 1952.

Betty grew up on the family farm north of Jackson.

During their children's younger years, she and James were active in Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. She was a bus driver for 21 years with the Jackson School District.

Betty was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, Jackson chapter of Eastern Star and Red Hat Society; she was a Democratic committee woman and volunteered at the polls.

She was an avid card player and enjoyed golfing, antiquing and camping. She loved her family and being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband of more than 60 years, loving survivors include a son, James R. (Barbara) Palmer of Rolla, Mo.; two daughters, Jeanna (Jeff) Kirn of Kelso, Mo., and Susan (Richard) Koerber of Jackson; seven grandchildren, April (Thomas) Jemes, Andrew Palmer, Julie Proffer, Hunter Kirn, Shiloh Kirn, Jeremy (Beth) Koerber, Sarah (Drew) Puls; 10 great-grandchildren, Emma, Grace and Clara Jemes, Jessica and Taylor Proffer, Gage, Addison and Ethan Puls and Jack and Justin Koerber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a grandchild and a great-grandchild.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. An Eastern Star service will be at 7:30 p.m.

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to New McKendree United Methodist Church or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.