By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
11 Comments
  • Visitation

    Friday, November 26, 2021

    9:00 am to 11:00 am

    First Congregational Church of Highland

  • Service

    Friday, November 26, 2021

    11:00 am

    First Congregational Church of Highland

  • Full Obituary

    Betty I. Palmer, 94, of Highland, IL, died Monday, November 22, 2021, at Cedarhurst of Highland.

    She was born December 18, 1926, to Clarence and Genia (nee Druin) Bastien Sr., in Easton, IL.  On September 1, 1946, she married Gail Palmer in Mason City, IL.

    Betty lived in Easton and Springfield, IL, before moving to Highland, where she spent the last 60 plus years. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Highland, the First Congregational Church Women’s Dorcas, and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.

    Betty loved dancing, reading, cooking, camping and traveling in her camper.  She loved to go shopping and even took lessons to fly a Piper Cub Plane. Betty was a good listener, always smiling, very fun loving, and she liked to laugh. A feisty one, Betty loved to kid around. She especially loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

    She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Genia Bastien Sr.; husband, Gail Palmer; brothers, Clarence Bastien Jr., and Roland Bastien.

    Betty is survived by her children, Ronald (Kay) Palmer, Walnut Creek, CA and Sue (Paul) Holtgrave, Highland, IL; grandchildren, Tracy Holtgrave, Craig (Julie) Holtgrave, Larry (Ashley) Palmer, Scott (Cara) Palmer; great grandchildren, Jacob and Gavin Holtgrave and Maddison, Peyton, Chase, Jacob, Abigail, Joseph, and Benjamin Palmer; and many dear friends.

    Memorials may be made to First Congregational Church of Highland or the Donor’s choice.

    Visitation: Friday, November 26, 2021, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, First Congregational Church of Highland

    Funeral Service:  Friday, November 26, 2021, 11:00 am, First Congregational Church of Highland.

    Clergy: Pastor Rich Cook, First Congregational Church of Highland

    Interment:  Highland City Cemetery

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

11 Condolences
 
  1. Kayla Mensen / November 23, 2021 at 9:10 am

    There’s so much I could say about Betty – such a beautiful person inside and out. I was blessed to know her through Legacy and am so thankful we were able to make so many memories through the past few years. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and especially her family, who she loved so much.

  2. Jan Meyer / November 23, 2021 at 9:20 am

    Dear Ron, Sue snd families,
    I’m sorry to read that your mom passed away. She was one of the sweetest friends mom and dad had (Duane and Ruby Essenpreis). Your mom rode with me to the cemetery for mom’s funeral. She shared stories and we laughed through the ride thanks to her. You were blessed to have such a sweet mom. She was so proud of you both.
    Jan Meyer

  3. jan draper / November 23, 2021 at 9:27 am

    Betty was a lovely lovely lady

  4. Madison Clarke / November 23, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    Betty was a lady that you meet and never forget. She was genuine, fun, and loving. I will never forget her smile. I only got to know her the past two years, but I would do anything to know her for a lifetime.

  5. Leann McCaslin / November 24, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    We are very sorry for yur losss. She was such a sweet loving person. Like a Grandma to my kids. Was a blessing being her neighbor.

  6. Beckie & Bob Schrumpf / November 24, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    Sending sympathy & prayers to her family

  7. Janet Thole / November 24, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    So sorry for your loss, Betty was a loving, caring, sweet lady. I know her from Legacy/Cedarhurst, my mom was there and my family & I got a chance to know her through mom (Frances Luitjohan). I will never forget when my mom fell at Cedarhurst Betty was there wanting to help her. When mom passed Betty just cried.
    Sending Prayers & condolences for all the family of Betty

  8. Michelle Green / November 26, 2021 at 4:50 am

    I feel blessed to have been here for her with whatever I could do for her. Knowing her the last 6 years was a very wonderful experience. I enjoyed hearing her laugh and even complain. (Which wasn’t often) I love Betty may you be at peace and at rest.
    And to your wonderful family. ❤️

  9. Mae Jacober Kinnard family / November 26, 2021 at 8:36 am

    Ron, Sue and Family – I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have known Betty for over 50 years. She was such a wonderful woman – I never heard her say a bad word about anyone! We loved all the times we got to spend with her and Gail on our ‘Lemon Street Crowd’….We had such fun with the neighbors. Her laugh was wonderful and she was always so friendly. I am so glad I was one of the neighbors on Lemon Street and got to have our get togethers. A favorite memory we had from Gail and Betty – we had a garden we hoped would yield big wonderful produce from….one morning we found plastic bananas, grapes, and any other plastic toys tied on our tomatoes…..it was a fun time and we laughed over that a lot. She was so special and such a beautiful person – inside and out. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless you all!

  10. Rachel Van Fossan / November 27, 2021 at 8:26 am

    My sincere condolences!
    My heart and prayers are with you Tracy, Sue, & family.

    May you find peace in knowing your beloved Betty is now in Paradise with our Heavenly Father & may His outstretched arms comfort you in this season of grief!

    Blessings!
    Rachel Van Fossan

  11. Mary beth Broughton / December 2, 2021 at 4:19 pm

    My deepest thoughts sympathy goes to the family. Thoughts prayers love hugs coming your way. Wonderful memories beautiful friend. She was a fantastic lady and friend

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