On April 26, 2024, Bernice “Bernie” Rae Palmer went home to be with the Lord at age 88.

She was born May 2, 1935, to Harry and Orvilla Virginia Parris in Custer, South Dakota. Bernie was the seventh of thirteen children. She graduated from Custer High School and married her high school sweetheart Charles (Chuck) Lee Palmer on June 4, 1953. Together they had three children: Steven, Cheryl, and Michael. Early in their marriage, they moved to Laramie, Wyoming. Bernie took a job with the University of Wyoming where she worked for many years in Animal Science and Plant Science. In addition to her regular employment, she was also a dedicated Mary Kay consultant and Amway distributor.

In her spare time, Bernie loved working in her yard, tending her beautiful flowers. She and Chuck took flying lessons and obtained pilot’s licenses before buying their own plane. Faith in the Lord Jesus was a central part of Bernie’s life. She was faithful in church attendance and taught children’s Sunday school. After retiring from UW in 1995, she and Chuck traveled in their 5th wheel camper, visiting family and friends. They especially enjoyed their trips with dear friends to Alaska and Mexico.

Bernie was preceded in death by her husband Chuck; sons Steve and Michael; daughter Cheri, and her grandson Wesley.

She will be greatly missed by her surviving family of 5 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, 3 sisters, 1 brother and her daughter-in-law.

Visitation will take place on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home from 1-2 P.M. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Todd Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow services at Greenhill Cemetery.