Barbara Ruth Palmer, age 84, a longtime resident of Antigo went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 15, 2017, surrounded by her loving family in her apartment at Country Manor in Sartel, Minn. Barbara was born on November 20, 1932 in Colorado Springs, Colo., a daughter of the late Robert David and Venida (Boortz) Bender. She married Charles E. “Charlie” Palmer, on July 7, 1951 at the Mattoon Church of the Nazarene. He preceded her in death on April 11, 2007.

She was a graduate of Mattoon High School, class of 1951. Barbara worked for Langlade County Nursing Services as a Certified Nursing Assistant for 30 years. Until her move to Minnesota, she was a member of the Antigo Community Church and sang in the church choir.

Barbara enjoyed being at the hunting cabin; fishing with Charlie and friends; camping and making cards using rubber stamping. She also enjoyed traveling, and especially her trips to her birthplace home in Colorado Springs; Scandinavia and the Philippines. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was also “passionate” about Gospel Music and listened to it all of her waking hours!

Survivors include a son Charles D. (Debra) Palmer of Oakdale, Minn.; two daughters, Cathe (Richard) Schroeder of Wausau and Colleen (Kerry) Harter of St. Cloud, Minn.; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and two sisters-in-law, Marie Schuh of Elcho and Rita Palmer of Antigo.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Bender and Robert Bender, as well as one great grandchild, Keegan Palmer.

The family would like to thank all of the many friends who have lovingly supported and helped Mom over the years and especially Tom and Joannie Zarda, who made it possible for Mom to live in her home in Antigo for over 8 years after Charlie went to Heaven.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, September 23, 2017 at Noon at the Antigo Community Church with Reverend Kellen Lewis officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home, Antigo and Saturday, September 23 at the church from 11 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will be served at the Church immediately following the conclusion of the service. Burial will take place at Elmwood Cemetery at a later date.

A memorial gift is preferred in lieu of flowers. The family asks that Memorials be made to Antigo Community Church, WRVM Radio or Discovery Church in Sartel, Minn.