Sally Edith Palmer

Sally Palmer, 85, of Shawnee, KS, died at her home, September 4, 2019.  Sally was born July 2, 1934, in Augusta, KS.  Her parents, Allen and Edith Ashcraft, proceeded her in death. She is survived by daughters Cindy Dillard and Robin Palmer, Grandchildren Sarah (John) Clouse, Carmen Clement, Melinda Clement, and Great Grandchildren, Hayden and Hunter Clouse, and Sister, Carolyn (Dean) Trimble.

Her work career began with a 2 week stint as an Egg Separator. Moving on, she gained a position as an Elevator Operator in Wichita’s Wesley hospital.

Sally graduated with the class of 1953, in Melvern, Kansas.  She attended Emporia State University 2 years before taking the position of teacher at Rapp School in Osage County, KS, a one-room schoolhouse. After 2 years at Rapp School, Sally moved to Chicago and took a job with the Book Supply Company.

Seeking greener pastures and European adventure, Sally joined the Army (WACS) in February, 1958. She achieved the rank of Specialist E-5 and spent her Army years as a Dental Assistant.  In 1959, she was one of 18 chosen to march with the funeral parade of Secretary of State Dulles, in Washington, DC. Marching in 10 degree weather and rain, Sally was in the Army procession of President Kennedy’s inaugural parade, in January, 1961, as pictured in Life Magazine.

Her dreams were fulfilled with her 2 year assignment in 1961, to Landstuhl, Germany.  She was able to explore all of Germany and surrounding countries, including spending Christmas in snowy Bavaria. While overseas, she met future husband, James Palmer.  They married in May, 1963, relocated to North Carolina, and became parents of Robin and Cindy.

In 1969, Sally received her Bachelor of Education from Emporia State and taught Elementary School in Florida.

She earned her Master of Education in Special Education, in 1975, also from ESU.  She was a substitute teacher in Melvern, KS, and completed her teaching career at Kansas Neurological Institute, in Topeka.

Sally also worked security at Wolf Creek Power plant, waited tables at BETO Junction, drove a Road Grader for Osage County, and farmed a little.  She was the Personal Assistant to the President’s Wife at ESU while living in Emporia. Following her girls to the Kansas City area, Sally worked security for Wells Fargo, and at Folgers Coffee.  (She drank Maxwell House.)  Retiring in 1999, Sally focused on her children and grandchildren. Her greatest delight was babysitting her Sweet Pea (Melinda). Sally continued to enjoy her family, old movies, the Hallmark Channel, and genealogy work.

Sally was a strong, independent woman who lived life on her own terms.  She was indeed, as many remarked,

a hoot.

A Celebration of Life for Sally (Ashcraft) Palmer will be held at Williamsburg UM Church, 211 E South St, Williamsburg, KS, 11am, Saturday, September 21, 2019.  Visitation and Luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Williamsburg Community Library, 107 N. Louisa Ave., Williamsburg, KS 66095