Ann Palmer

Ann Eloise Halfaker Palmer passed away Sunday, September 11, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1308 Whitley Rd #101, Keller, Texas 76248.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers a gift in her name can be made to the National Alzheimers Assoc. at http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp or by mail: P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
Ann was born to Frieda Mahler and John S. Halfaker on November 14, 1946 in Chicago Heights, Ill.
Ann was the first of three children. Their life wasn't easy as their father, formerly a creative fine artist turned soldier in WWII for 4 years, struggled with PTSD and their mother coped with remedial cancer treatments. Consequently, Ann filled the role of sister and mother to her younger brothers, Alex and John. Other children in her circle also came under Ann's protective wing. In their moments of despair Ann would tell stories to brighten their situation. A pattern of love and responsibility that emerged in her youth continued into adulthood. Perseverance, inquisitiveness and optimism became her guide throughout the remainder of her life.
At the age of 19, she met her future husband Paul at a friend's wedding, during which he pestered her and declared to her that she would be his future bride. At the time she was unimpressed by his overtures but soon came around and fell in love. They were married two years later on July 27, 1968.
If Ann wasn't a competitive person before she married Paul, she certainly became one afterward. Paul came from a family of ruthless card players and it wasn't long before she was in the thick of the competition. She especially relished beating Paul, "King of All," in any game they engaged in. She accepted Paul's brothers as her very own right off the bat, looking forward to the times they all would spend together.
Always wanting a family of her own, their son Luke was born in 1970 and their daughter Erica was born in 1973. Ann held various jobs over her lifetime but always considered herself a wife and mother, first and foremost. Together, Ann and Paul saw it as their life's purpose to aid the disadvantaged and leave the world a little better than they found it. To this end, at various times throughout their lives, they housed refugees, relatives and friends during times of trial and Ann delivered meals and volunteered actively through her community and the Lutheran Church.
Ann and Paul met success together. She kept the home and family life going so her husband could focus on his career. She enjoyed standing by his side at business functions, hosting oversize corporate parties in their home, and the process of relocating as his career took them around the country. These many moves created a trail of lifelong friends and gave her new places to play tour guide when old friends and family would visit.
We all agree Ann was a force. She was a friend, a worthy competitor in card games, a marathon phone talker, and extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. She lived a life worth living and with her husband they left a legacy of love. They succeeded in having a fulfilling marriage, happy healthy children and blossoming grandchildren.
Ann has been preceded in death by her parents, her brother Alex and her husband.
Ann is survived by her brother, John; her son, Luke Palmer and wife, Bridget of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Erica Gerald and husband, Pepi of Hood River, Oregon; and grandchildren, Annelise, Michael, Miyuki, Matthew and Colin. She also leaves her nieces and nephews; Kali, Stephanie, Drew, Amanda, Adam and Katrina as well as many family and friends.

Winscott Road Funeral Home
Benbrook, 817-249-1177
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