Elna Palmer

Our dear beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, passed away on Memorial Day, May 28, 2012, at the age of 93 years. She was a great example of service, love, and testimony. We love her so much and she will be deeply missed. Elna was born to Arthur W. Hart and Evadyna H. Hart on October 25, 1918, Preston, Idaho. She was the eighth of her mother's 12 children. She attended schools in Preston, Logan (Utah State University), and Salt Lake City (University of Utah). She graduated from the LDS Institute of Religion. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On September 15, 1939, Elna married Merlin C. Palmer in the Logan Temple. Together they raised seven sons, who all served LDS missions, following in their father's footsteps. Merlin and Elna served together in the New Hampshire/ Massachusetts Mission, and also served in the Salt Lake Temple as ordinance workers for 14 years, where Elna served as supervisor for eight years. Elna served in many capacities in the Church: Teacher, Stake Primary Board, Stake Relief Society Board, Ward Primary President, Ward Relief Society President, and Stake Relief Society President for eight years. She was blessed with many gifts and talents. She loved to write. She wrote beautiful poems, programs, skits, plays and talks. She was a gifted speaker. She was a wonderful homemaker, wife and mother. She loved to serve others and was loved by all. Elna is survived by her seven sons: Grant(Connie), Glade, Sherri, Wain(Paula), Robert(Carol), David(Elizabeth), Jeffrey(Debra), Philip(Sue). She leaves a legacy of 33 grandchildren, and 37 great grandchildren, who she greatly loved. She is also survived by two brothers, Jed and Bret Hart (Rene), four sisters, Rhea Grandy, Arlette Day, Ada Shumway and Jocelyn Faux (Frank), and many dear nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Kathy, a great grandchild, Emma, and her husband, Merlin, who passed away November 14, 1999. Elna loved the Lord and her testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel. She had a strong testimony of the true Church on the earth today. She never wavered. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 2, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at the Kenwood II Ward Chapel, 1765 East Gregson Avenue (3080 South), Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will be held at the same address, Friday, June 1, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment at Wasatch Lawn, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at: www.holbrookmortuary.com