Barbara Ellen Scheumaker Palmer of Sandy Hook died peacefully in her home the afternoon of November 30, days after her 80th birthday. She was born November 25, 1935, and raised on a farm in Neoga, Ill.

She graduated high school, and a few years later married the love of her life, on September 1, 1957. She is survived by her devoted husband, Gordon.

Mrs Palmer was a resident of Sandy Hook for 46 years. She was an active member of the scouting community, and served as leaders in both Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. She served as a national Girl Scout delegate and spoke at a convention to thousands of individuals on the importance of Girl Scouts, and the tools of independence it provides. Mrs Palmer was awarded several medals for her volunteerism in the community, both through scouts and later her involvement in ladies groups at the United Methodist Church.

Her gentle spirit of kindness, ingenuity, and faith will live on in her four children, Dianna, Darryl, George, and Gordon Jr; their spouses; as well as nine grandchildren, Michael, Katie, Zach, Sean, Heather, Amy, Cody, Nick, and Jessica. A brother, John, and a sister, Beverly, also survive Mrs Palmer. Her loving parents; brothers Ralph, George, Kenneth, and Charles; and sister Evelyn predeceased her.

No local service will be held. A memorial is planned at her childhood church in Neoga for the family to mourn the loss of their beautiful sister, wife, mother, and Nana.