Barbara Jean Palmer

Barbara J. Palmer, age 99, entered her eternal home on March 17, 2026 from her earthly home on Freed Street in Minerva.

Barbara was born January 26, 1927 in Washington Township to Lawrence and Ruth B. (Grimes) Byers. She attended Mt. Pleasant school and graduated from Alliance High School in 1943. She resided in the area all her life. She is survived by her sons Bob (fiancée Debbie) of the home, Jim (Shelley) of Westerville and Larry (Diana) of New Franklin; four grandsons: Evan and Elliot (Jackie), Daniel (Tiffany) and Kyle (Gina). Also surviving are 3 great grandchildren (Lucas, Leah and new arrival Alena {DOB 2/28}). She was preceded in death by husband Kenneth (with whom she shared 63 years of marriage) and younger sister Ruth Ann Palmer (who had married Kenneth’s brother) and great grandson Liam.

Barbara worked in the laboratory of Transue-Williams Steel Forging from 1944 until 1949, and in what must be the longest maternity leave on record, returned to exactly the same position in 1972. She retired from there in 1989.

Barbara was a member of Minerva First Christian Church, having joined in 1958 to establish a church home in the community where her children would attend school. She was active in the church serving as deaconess, in the Home department and was Superintendent of the Primary Department Sunday school in the early ‘60s. She was the organist for the church for nearly 30 years and had the pleasure of playing for many weddings; not only at her home church, but in many other area churches. She played in a church that had a pipe organ, which terrified her at first, but she overcame the misgivings and played wonderfully. She celebrated her 90th birthday by presenting a piano/organ musical program with herself at the organ and her son, Jim, at the piano. Her hobbies included genealogy, music, reading, crossword puzzles, knitting and crocheting. From her work in genealogy, Barbara’s work in genealogy made her the unofficial family historian. She leaves volumes of lineage data from many preceding generations and was diligent about adding new additions as they arrived. Her afghans grace the bedsteads of many friends and relatives.

Barbara was also quite the seamstress. Having had 3 sons, she was naturally drawn to making Barbie doll clothes. Many of the young girls in Minerva would check in regularly at the Fair Store for the latest fashions for their Barbies from Barbara’s sewing machine. She also made uniforms for several cheerleader squads from Minerva High School.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11:00 am in the Minerva First Christian Church with Pastor Chad Palmer officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva and one hour prior to services from 10-11 am at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to the church or a charity of your choice. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.