Obituary of Ruth Gertrude Palmer

Ruth G. Palmer died peacefully, in her home of 45 years, on July 3, 2017. She was born in Waltham Massachusetts on February 23, 1930 to Iris and Stephen Shaw. She spent her early years in Massachusetts with her 5 siblings, enjoying her summers in Maine with her grandparents, and graduated from Waltham High School in 1947. After high school, she worked in an office for 10 years. It was during this time that she met her husband, Francis Palmer. They married October 21, 1950. They started their family on March 6, 1957 with the birth of their first child, Lynne, followed by the birth of their son, Wayne, on February 12, 1959, and then their daughter, Lisa, on February 15, 1965. Ruth was a devoted member of Medway Community Church where she sang in the choir. She took pride in being a wife, mother, and homemaker. After moving from Massachusetts to Tucson in 1969, she got her driver's license and went back to work just as her youngest child entered 1st grade. Her career in food service began in TUSD. She worked at various school sites, including Fruchthendler Elementary and then went on to work at central kitchen. Over the course of 23 years in TUSD, Ruth made many dear friends. She was known for her sense of humor, quick wit, Bostonian accent, and kind heart. She never met a stranger. After losing her husband in 1989, Ruth continued to live her life to the fullest, exploring her independence with trips to Kansas, California, Las Vegas, Maine, Massachusetts and Texas with family members and to visit family members. She always took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren; babysitting, attending school and sporting events, or just as a sounding board in their time of need. She never passed judgement and only provided her unconditional love (and a snack of course). Following her retirement from TUSD food service, she found herself back in the kitchen of several schools as a volunteer. If she wasn't volunteering, she was shopping at Fry's, JC Penney's or one of the dollar stores, just to name a few of her favorites. She loved holidays, family gatherings, people watching, FOX news, The Price is Right, Harry Connick, Michael Bublé, Johnny Mathis, and her favorite, Barry Manilow. She went to several Barry Manilow concerts over the years and sang along with him. She can be remembered for some of her favorite expressions; "Vundavar," (wonderful in German) "How's that strike ya?" "See ya round like a donut," "Come on, eat another one, I bought this just for you," and "Eat this, it will put hair on your chest." Ruth is survived by two siblings, Stephen Shaw and Louse Labossiere, her children Lynne Groves (Damian), Wayne Palmer (Kristin), and Lisa Rincon (Raul). She is also survived by her grandchildren Ashley Roesler (Ryan), Kevin Groves (Alisha), Steffanie Palmer, Daniel Rincon (Danielle), Sam Palmer, Stephen Palmer, Megan Rincon, Lorena Palmer, Matthew Palmer, Daniel Palmer, Faith Palmer, Esmeralda Palmer, and Alexa Palmer and 4 great grandchildren; Jameson Groves, Emma Roesler, Johnathan Groves and Annalyn Roesler. She will be cherished forever and live on in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Special thanks to all who helped take care of her and loved her. If you wish to make a donation in her name, please donate to the Alzheimer's Association. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 9, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Adair Funeral Homes Dodge Chapel 1050 N Dodge Blvd. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 9:00 am followed by interment at East Lawn Cemetery.