Carol Palmer

Though our mother was born tiny, she became a giant in the lives of all who knew and loved her, truly living up to her great big name.

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Ada “Carol” Florence Nelson Palmer, returned to her Heavenly Father on June 7, 2026. Carol was born in Ephraim, Utah, to Sarah Florence Larsen and Bernard Christian Nelson. She entered the world weighing just over 4 pounds on the kitchen table. When she was 4 years old, the family moved to Salt Lake City. Carol endured many hardships during her early years, experiences that helped shape a lifetime of service to her family, friends, and especially her “sweetheart,” John B. Palmer (Jack), who faced lifelong health challenges after an accident at the age of 30.

After graduating from East High School, Carol married Jack on August 31, 1956, in the Salt Lake Temple. They met through a mutual acquaintance—her brother—who still jokes that he has never been paid for introducing them. One can only imagine what the interest would be after nearly 66 years of marriage.

Carol brought joy to family and friends through her many talents. Among her greatest gifts were being a fierce and loyal friend, making others feel welcome, and always pressing forward with quiet perseverance. She also had a wonderful sense of humor and was quick with a witty comeback. Her sense of humor carried her all the way to the end. She made hand-dipped chocolates and worked for many years at C.K. Cummings. She was also known for her famous pear jam, a treat anyone felt lucky to receive. She had a gift for making delicious desserts, and no one could stretch a meal to feed all six of her children quite like she could. Though she often said she was a terrible cook, her family knew better. Carol loved her family deeply and especially cherished time spent together at the cabin in Midway. There, they worked hard and played hard. She was always ready for a card game or a round of Mexican Train. Carol taught her children to work hard, love one another, and always look for the good in the world.

Carol served faithfully in many callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Whether in Primary, Young Women, or Relief Society, she worked hard to be prepared and to serve well. As a young girl, she was influenced by people who helped her feel the goodness of the Savior’s love and who showed her the blessings of choosing a better path for herself and for her posterity. She, in turn, wanted to help others feel that same love of Christ through her service and dedication.

Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John B. Palmer (Jack). She is survived by her six children: Brynn Kohlwey (Randy) of Lehi, Utah; Kristi Weight (Gary) of Daniels, Utah; John Palmer of Grovetown, Georgia; Brad “Kimball” Palmer of Salt Lake City, Utah; Steven Palmer (Sally) of Alpine, Utah; and Jenny Wayman (Lynn) of Glenwood, Utah; as well as 17 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the Loraine Ward building, 3400 South 1100 East, Millcreek, Utah.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Loraine Ward building. Interment will follow at the Midway, Utah, cemetery.