WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Mrs. Elva May Palmer, age 89, of Three Rivers, formerly of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at her home with her family at her side. She was born in Three Rivers, MI., on September 8, 1926 the daughter of the late Edmund and Nellie (Ash) Smallcombe.
Elva attended Three Rivers Schools and graduated with the class of 1944. She later moved to Battle Creek where she was employed as secretary to Traffic Manager for General Foods. She worked for General Foods for thirty-two years before retiring. She was a member of the Post Cereal 25 year Club and Life Member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was an active choir member. Elva enjoyed crocheting, making quilts, and was also a member of the Three Rivers Lions Club for many years.
Elva was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Donald Smallcombe and one sister, Ruth (Roy) Pierce.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband, Jack S. Palmer, of Three Rivers; one son, Gary C. (Karen) Quinn, of E. Lansing; step-children, Charles (Katie) Palmer, of Allen Park, MI., Douglas Palmer, of Hastings, MI., Elizabeth (James) Whalen, of Kalamazoo, and Juliann Balcom, of Kalamazoo; one sister, Mary Raifsnider, of Three Rivers; ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren plus two on the way; sister-in-law, Vera Smallcombe.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Karleen Kinker officiating.
Interment will be held at Floral Lawn Cemetery, in Battle Creek, MI.
Memorials may be donated to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Envelopes are available at the Hohner Funeral Home in care of her arrangements.
