January 10, 1930 – February 6, 2023
Barbara Elliott Palmer, 93, passed away February 6, 2023, after complications from a recent stroke. She was born January 10, 1930. She graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1947 and Butler University in 1951 with a degree in secondary education. She taught at the former Tudor Hall School in Indianapolis and at Hughes High School in Cincinnati, and later did substitute teaching.
In 1953, she married the love of her life, John Palmer, who preceded her in death in 2013 after 60 years of marriage. They traveled extensively visiting many countries around the world, as well as taking numerous vacations to various Caribbean Islands with the entire family. She loved golf, boating, water skiing (at age 89!) and lake living on Wawasee and Morse. Barbara loved spending quality time with her children and grandchildren and never wanted to miss the activities of her three grandchildren. She was an avid college and professional football and basketball fan and watched golf every Sunday afternoon.
She was employed by the Indiana Legislature in 1972 and worked for the House of Representatives for 18 years. She was elected to and served on the Pike Township Advisory Board for 13 years and held several positions in the Pike Township Republican organization, such as precinct committeeman, vice ward chairman, and president of the Pike Republican Club. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Pebble Brook Ladies Golf Club, and more recently, The Willows group in her community.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Minnie and Arlast Elliott; sister, Betty (Harry) Hagans; brothers-in-law, Joseph (Miriam) Palmer and Robert (Betty) Palmer; nephews, Mark Hagans and John Robert Palmer; and niece, Amy Palmer. Survivors include son, Larry (Pam) Palmer; daughter, Patti (Tom) Dean; grandchildren, Alec (Heather Long) Dean, Abby (Huston) Spencer, and Elle Palmer; niece, Sue (Craig) Sears; nephew, Evan Palmer; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 18 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St., with a gathering and luncheon immediately following.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to: St. Luke’s UMC or the American Stroke Association. Family and friends are welcome to sign the online guestbook for Barbara at flannerbuchanan.com.