Kelly Palmer, 64, passed away on April 10, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Although she endured a rare neurological disorder for several years, she never lost her elegance, unique grace, and refinement. She will be greatly missed.
The daughter of Donald and Carolyn Houston, Kelly was born in St. George, Utah on June 10, 1953. The family lived in Texas and the Philippines before settling in northern California, where she graduated from Saratoga High School.
She displayed an early talent as a seamstress, winning the California wool industry's Making it with Wool Contest. As a mother, Kelly designed clothes for her children, always ensuring that they looked their best. She later served as the first president of the Utah Sewing Guild.
Kelly graduated from BYU in 1976 with a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising and a minor in French. She accepted a position with Macy's at Union Square in San Francisco as a senior buyer for cosmetics and fine fragrances.
In 1980, Kelly accepted a position as assistant director of the cosmetic division with Amtec Industries and moved back to Utah. In less than a year she was promoted to director, a position requiring extensive global travel. She was articulate, giving numerous presentations without notes.
In 1983, she married William D. Palmer in the Salt Lake Temple. The couple had three sons in the first five years of marriage. Shortly before the birth of her first child, Kelly left her career to become a full-time mother. She was a skilled and consummate homemaker.
Kelly had a passion for travel and, before her marriage, had traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico. She later traveled with her husband to China, Thailand, Korea, and Indonesia, as well as numerous trips throughout the U.S. One of her favorite destinations was the Oregon Coast.
Kelly's priorities were always her family, following closely by her faith. She held many church callings, serving twice as a Young Women's President. She also served in the baptistry of the Draper Temple and later with her husband as a Guest Services Missionary.
She is survived by her husband, William D. Palmer; sons, William Ryan (Mikelle), Joseph Bracken (Lindsay), Matthew Thomas (Alexa); granddaughter, Claire; mother, Carolyn Garrett; and brothers, Scott, Brett, Pat and Mike Houston.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 11:00 AM at LDS Stake Center, 9880 South 3100 East, Sandy. Viewings will be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy and again on Saturday, April 21st from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at the church. Interment to follow services at Granite Cemetery, 2969 East 9800 South, Sandy.
