Mary M. Palmer, 104, of Springfield, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on Friday, March 9, 2012 at Villa Springfield. She was born on February 7, 1908 in Springfield, the daughter of Roger S. and Iva P. (Strong) Ayer.

Mary was a member of the First United Church of Christ and graduated from The Springfield Business College in a time when most women did not receive higher education. Throughout her career she worked for Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Wittenberg University, Crowell Collier and F.W. Woolworth.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert E. Palmer, son Bobby Joe Hatfield, one brother and four sisters. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Kathleen M. and Steven Harbaugh of Springfield, grandchildren: Matthew (Jamie) Warman, Amanda (Mike) Workman, Teena (Scott) Siebold, Jerry Palmer and Bill Palmer; sister, Phyllis Holsapple of Springfield, daughter-in-law Betty Palmer of Florida; ten great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 4-7:00 p.m. in the First United Church of Christ, 2000 E. High St., Springfield, where a celebration of her life will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. with Reverend Gail Eastwood officiating.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the care Mary received from Villa Springfield and Community Mercy Hospice.

While they are not opposed to the beautiful flowers Mary loved and grew, they also suggest an option of contributing to Community Mercy Hospice, 444 W. Harding Rd., Springfield, 45504.

Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Read Mary Palmer's Obituary and Guestbook on littletonandrue.com.