Rachel Palis

Rachel Palis, 80, of Columbia, Mo., formerly of Cape Girardeau, died Saturday, March 5, 2011, at Boone Hospital Center in Columbia.

She was born Sept. 8, 1930, in East St. Louis, Ill., to John E. and Helen Keller Wolfe. She and Charles A. Palis were married June 30, 1951, in East St. Louis. He preceded her Feb. 22, 1990.

Palis was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau and was active in several of its ministries. She had been a teacher in Altenburg, Mo., a few years and also taught in Oak Ridge about 20 years before retiring.

Survivors include two sons, Michael E. Palis of North Kansas City, Mo., Thomas S. Palis of Columbia; a grandchild, Christopher W. Palis of Garden City, Mo.; and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mike Shupert officiating.

Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church Decorating Committee or Southeast Hospice.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.