Virginia R. Palmer

Virginia R. Palmer, 94, of Elizabeth, Illinois, died Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at the Elizabeth Nursing Home. Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Massbach Lutheran Church, Massbach, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to a Veterans Assistance Program of choice.
Virginia was born October 22, 1917, in La Rose, Illinois, the daughter of Fred and Minnie (Rinkenberger) Mast. She graduated from Lakin High School in Lakin, Illinois, with the Class of 1935. Virginia proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. She married Ralph D. Palmer on December 24, 1945, at Grace Lutheran Church in LaGrange, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 1989.
Virginia worked for Electromotive in LaGrange for many years on the assembly line. She then started her own door to door egg sales business, and was affectionately known as “The Egg Lady” in LaGrange. Virginia also worked as a waitress at Handel’s Steakhouse in rural Savanna, Illinois, and other restaurants. She was a member of the Massbach Lutheran Church and the Home Extension. Virginia enjoyed knitting, sewing, painting, and loved to cook. She ran a farm from 1948 until the time of her death, and always enjoyed being out “pulling weeds and digging holes.”
Virginia is survived and lovingly remembered by her son, Paul “P.D.” Palmer of Elizabeth, Illinois; two grandchildren, Alisha Palmer and Todd (Christine) Palmer of Elizabeth; two great grandchildren, Bailey Palmer and Macey Fulton; and one cousin, Sharon Benington of Door County, Wisconsin.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ralph; one sister, Alta Mae “Sis” Mast; and one brother, James Mast.