Ella Neal Talbot Palmer

Ella Neal Talbot Palmer, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and friend, age 95, passed away peacefully September 3, 2016 in her Santa Clara, UT home, surrounded by family.

Ella was born March 28,1921 on her family’s ranch in Stone, Idaho, to Frederick Charles and Andrea Chrestena (Daley) Neal.  She was the seventh of eight children, and their youngest daughter.

Ella had a happy childhood. She shared a close relationship with her father and developed a strong work ethic at a very young age. At her mother’s side, she perfected her homemaking skills.  Ella married her sweetheart, Norman Sessel Talbot on October 8, 1940 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Norman and Ella were the proud parents of two sons and three daughters. They raised their family while living in Ogden, Snowville, and St. George, Utah. In 1982 they built their final home in Santa Clara. Ella’s door was always open for visitors. She enjoyed hearing about her children and grandchildren’s lives and maintained a close relationship with each one. Ella was a gifted listener, having a great capacity to love unconditionally.  She had a spunky sense of humor and kept those around her laughing.  

Ella was a dedicated homemaker and skilled seamstress. She enjoyed sewing and was known for the beautiful quilts, embroidered dish towels and other handiwork she has gifted over the years. She was an "Avon lady" and substituted at the East Elementary lunchroom for many years. She spent countless hours volunteering at the Pink Ladies Snack Bar at DRMC, and at the Daughter of Utah Pioneers Museum in St. George.

Ella’s love for family was founded in her testimony of the gospel.  She quietly led by example. She served in many positions in the auxiliaries of the LDS church and made life-long friendships with those whom she served.

In 1996, Ella’s beloved husband of 56 years passed away.  She continued to spend time with family and friends, but dearly missed him.  In 1999, Ella married James Raymond (Ray) Palmer, Norman’s double cousin. Since they married, Grandpa Ray has been so good to her and her family. The family is deeply grateful for the love and companionship Ray and Ella shared for the past 17 years.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her husband, Norman S. Talbot, her daughter, Anice Talbot Holt, three grandsons and three great-grandsons. She is survived by her husband, Ray Palmer, and children: N. Kert (Ruth) Talbot, Sandra (Robert) Stucki, Margo (Clayon) Bundy, Joseph W. Holt and Kim (Lora) Talbot, 39 Grandchildren, 120 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.  

Funeral services will be Saturday, September 10th.  Prior to the funeral, family and friends may pay their respects from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m.. Both will be held at the Santa Clara 5th Ward LDS Meetinghouse, 3040 Santa Clara Drive. Interment will be at the Santa Clara Cemetery. Funeral arrangements made under the direction of Hughes Mortuary.