Nola M. Palmer died on Sunday morning, June 26, 2011. Her warm and loving spirit, her sense of humor and that special sparkle in her eyes will be profoundly missed.
Nola was born November 25, 1918 in the rural Mona community near Culbertson, MT. She was the second of four children born to John and Florence McCollom Spencer, who had come to Eastern Montana as homesteaders. Nola attended the Mona school through the eighth grade (she began her schooling there as a four year old first grader).
Nola married Lloyd Johnson on August 6, 1937 in Kalispell. Four children, Jerry, Don, Ed, and Sharon were born to this marriage. Lloyd was killed in France in September of 1944 while serving with the U.S. Army.
On December 12, 1947, Nola married Reed W. Palmer. One child, Kenneth, was born to this marriage. The Palmer/Johnson clan resided in Augusta, MT for many years before moving to East Helena in 1960. East Helena proved to be a comfortable fit for the Palmers . . . they enjoyed the community; the community enjoyed them (Nola’s awesome gardens were appreciated by many). Reed died in 1998 and Nola continued living in her East Helena home until she moved to Aspen Gardens in 2008.
In addition to her husbands, Nola was preceded in death by her parents. Also preceding her were a brother, Ellis, of Haines, AK, and a stepson, Jim Palmer, of Bar Nunn, WY.
Nola is survived by sisters, Laura Agnes Jenkins of Derwood, MD and Esther Pond of Spokane, WA. Also surviving are children, Jerry and Judy Johnson, Don and Lanore Johnson, Ed and LaVay Johnson, Ken and Val Palmer all of the Helena area, and Sharon and Jack White of Seattle, WA. Surviving step-children include Bill and Marilyn Palmer of Red Lodge, Frieda Palmer of Bar Nunn, WY and Harriet Buckman of Three Forks, MT. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild.
The family will begin receiving friends at 7:00 p.m. with a Vigil service to be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 1st at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena. Burial will be 4:00 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Ft. Harrison. The family suggests that memorial donations be made in Nola’s name to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Parish, P.O. Box 1110, East Helena, 59635 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Carol & Steve Athearn says
Ken & Val, we’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Steve and I are thinking of you and all your family. Remember the good times and enjoy your memories. Our love to you all.
Carol Kimble says
I am so sorry to read about the passing of your mom. I remember her and her caring “can-do” ways so well from when we all lived in Augusta. Sending love and prayers to you all.
Jack White says
God’s comfort and blessings to Nola’s family. Not long after Sharon and I were married, she was delighted to meet me and made me feel welcome in the family.
Jo and John Harris says
KP and Val,we are so very sorry to hear of Nola’s passing. Our hearts go out to you. We wish you comfort in sweet memories of your mom.
Love, the Harris Family
John Kimble says
Don, Ed, Sharon, And Ken
So very sorry for your loss,
my deepest condolences.
Kathy (Palmer) Rice says
I am so sorry to hear of “Aunty Oly” passing away. Anytime I think of her I picture when I was little and would come stay with her and Uncle Reed and for some reason the image of me jumping on the bed comes to mind. I think I wore either one of Uncle Reed’s or Kenny’s T-shirts too. Love to all of you.
Ken and Brenda Price says
Our thoughts are with all of you. The good memories will overcome the sorrow, as it should be.
Kurt and Carla Jenewein says
Nola and Reed were wonderful neighbors during our years on Bayard Street. Nola grew the most beautiful roses. Our sympathies to the family.
Marlene Longfellow says
So sorry to read about your mom, remember her and Reed with fond memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Marlene
Mary Brydich says
Jerry, Judy and Family – I am sorry to hear of Nola’s passing. She was such a part of old East Helena. I remember her and Reed well from my early days. I also enjoyed seeing her at church. You were always so good about bringing her. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pat Goodwin says
I remember Nola and Reed from the years Ken and I ran around together. My warmest wishes for all the Palmer family.
Sandi Coyle Benson says
I was sorry to read of Nola’s passing. She lived a full life and was a very kind gentle person. May the days ahead bring you peace and understanding. “God Bless”
Tracie and Justyne says
So sorry to hear of Grandma Nola’s passing. She was an amazing person who will be missed my all. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Love, Tracie and Justyne Prescott