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Gwendolyn Sue Palmer
July 26th, 1947 β January 6th, 2026
Gwendolyn Sue Palmer, age 78, of Astoria, Illinois passed away on January 6, 2026, in Summum, Illinois surrounded by family and friends. She was born on July 26, 1947 in Beardstown, Illinois to Bobby Lee Lael and Beulah (Sullins) Lael. Sue married Allen Ray Palmer on April 20, 1965 in Beardstown, Illinois.
After graduating from Beardstown High School in 1965, Sue began working for her Aunt Gwennie Boyd in Beardstown, Illinois at Boyd Nursing Home and the Campus Inn. Shortly following, she spent 11 years working for her brother-in-law, Cliff Parry, at Cliff’s Auto Parts in Astoria, Illinois. Sue also worked at Norris Farms in the tomato field in Lewistown, Illinois as well as Green Bay Foods at the Pickle Plant in Havana, Illinois. In her later years, she was employed at Hardee’s in Havana, Illinois where she served 15 years.
Sue enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, crocheting, playing with her grandkids and great-grandkids, basketball with her fur baby, Patches, and playing cards. Specifically, spider solitaire. In the summer of 2012 and the winter of 2024, Sue got to visit England and Scotland, something she never dreamed of doing, but had the time of her life.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren; Allen “Ray” Palmer, Jr.; Stacey (Von) Geisendorfer, parents of Audrie Weir and Vance (Abigail) Geisendorfer; Matthew “Matt” Palmer, father of Madison Palmer, Brianna Gleason and Danielle Thacker, Angela Smith, mother of Jessica (Courtney) Jackson and Kourtnie Smith; Leslie Palmer, father to Dylan (Tiffany) Kinkead and Nina Palmer; and her nineteen great-grandchildren; Kallen, Betty, Oaklei, Isabelle, Oliver, Michael, Caleb, Harper, Bentley, Zoie, Ambriel, Brynleigh, Kaiden, Knightly, Alaina, Adalynn, Kaleb, Emmaline and Isabella. Two brother, Thomas “Tom” (Debbie) Lael of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Keith (Carl) Lael of Springfield, Illinois, as well as town very special ladies to the family, Angie Moore and Win Palmer along with several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Charles “Chuck” (surviving wife, Sally) Lael, Mike (Kathy) Lael and daughter-in-law, Vivian “Viv” Palmer.
Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Dick Meehan will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sue Palmer Memorial Fund.
Condolences
January 7th, 2026
Thoughts and prayers for you all. A great woman!
January 7th, 2026
We will miss you Mama Sue you was one of a kind and was willing to do anything for anybody. Chris & Bob Gunn and family.
January 7th, 2026
So sorry to hear the passing of Sue. She was one of the best Thoughts prayers and hugs to her family. Larry and Lisa Bucher
January 7th, 2026
So sorry to hear this! My love, thoughts and prayers to all of Sue's family. I'm sure going to miss you dear friend.
January 7th, 2026
So sorry to hear this! My love, thoughts and prayers to all of Sue's family. I'm sure going to miss you dear friend.
January 7th, 2026
My heart and condolences go out to all of the family. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her, thats for sure.
January 7th, 2026
I’ve been thinking of you all! Nanna Sue will sure be missed by everyone!
January 7th, 2026
My heart is break Susie.. rest easy my friend
January 7th, 2026
Rest in peace Sue. I know your family will miss you, but what beautiful memories they have of you.
January 7th, 2026
I am so very sorry to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a wonderful friend, a childhood neighbor, a classmate’s parent, and a community member. She will be missed by all who knew her!
Todd Shaw
January 7th, 2026
So sorry to hear about Sue. She was a wonderful lady. Hugs & prayers. Mark & Mary S Clayton
January 7th, 2026
So sorry of Sue's passing. One of the sweetest ladies that has walked this Earth. Penny Collins and Brandon Brown and family.
January 7th, 2026
So sorry for this family's loss. She was such a kind hearted person and will be
missed and remembered by many. Fly with the angels,Sue. Wally and Janet DanΜer
January 7th, 2026
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sue was one of the sweetest, kindest, most loving, kind person. I will miss her dearly. Love you my friend may you rest in peace
January 7th, 2026
Sorry for your loss.Sue was a wonderful person Hugs and prayers for the family
January 7th, 2026
Sue will be missed. So sorry for your families loss. Steve & Pam Burget
January 7th, 2026
Sorry for your loss of Sue ! Judy Moose & Family
January 7th, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. Praying for you all. Steve and Sharon Musson
January 7th, 2026
So sorry for your loss...I'm sure she will be missed by many...LaRita Maloney
January 7th, 2026
Was happy we reconnected and talked about our families. Her mother and my grandmother were the best of friends for quite a few years. Her brother Chuck was one of my friends since I was a young kid.So sorry for your loss
January 7th, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for all families
Gary & Bev Taylor & family
January 7th, 2026
Our sympathy to Sue's family. Prayers for comfort and peace
Wendell & Alice Clanin
January 7th, 2026
I'm so sorry to hear of Sue’s passing, she will be missed by many ,I always loved talking to Sue sending Prayers and Hugs to all her children and Grandchildren ππππππ Lu Ann
January 7th, 2026
So sorry for Sue's passing. She was a loving and caring lady! She will be so missed by her children and all her love ones. May Sue rest in peace. Linda Shaw
January 8th, 2026
So very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences to the whole family. Brian Bucher
January 8th, 2026
Sue was my favorite sister-in-law. We always enjoyed getting together with her and doing a whole lot of laughing. She was a good sister and aunt. We will really miss her. Hug and kisses to her children and grandchildren.Tom and Debbie
January 8th, 2026
Sorry to hear of Sues passing .She will be greatly missed to whom ever knew her .Deepest condolences to her family .
January 8th, 2026
Sandy Budyn
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Sue was the sweetest person I know. Sue will be missed by many. Big hugs, love, and support to the family.
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your families loss,she was a wonderful person. Always very kind. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.
Gayle Easley
January 8th, 2026
Condolences to all the family. Sue was always pleasant to visit with. Cherish your memories. Bill and Joyce
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.Alan and Georgiana Clemens
January 8th, 2026
Praying for your family Sorry for your family, From the Shop family Ray sorry may God be with you!
January 8th, 2026
Sending big hugs to the entire family. Grandma Sue was not blood but she treated me and my siblings as her own. She was a beautiful person inside and out. May she rest in peace without pain, thinking of you all
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Paul and Carol Stambaugh
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for the loss of such a beautiful woman and mother and grandmother. I love you all.
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your family's loss.
Dick & Sandy Bent
January 8th, 2026
Im sorry for your loss
Tammy Workman Peterman
January 8th, 2026
What adear lady and friend. So sorry for your loss. ♥οΈ♥οΈ
Bob and Susie Bucher
January 8th, 2026
So sorry for your loss. You all will be in our prayers. From the Kinkead Family.π
January 8th, 2026
Sue was one of my favorite people I had ever met. There aren't very many people you see in life that makes you smile when you see their name or a picture of them. Sue was one of these people. Anyone that new her was lucky to have her in their life. She will be missed everyday. Until we meet again. Remember it's your time to have candy. Prayers and Love for the family. Erin
January 9th, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you all. Daniel and Becky Hamm
January 9th, 2026
I’m so sorry for your loss. Even in the short time we spent with your grandma, it was clear how incredibly sweet, fun, and genuinely kind she The world is better for having had her in it, and I know her love will always live on through you and your family.
January 9th, 2026
Sending my deepest condolences to the family. This is heartbreaking, she was an awesome person and had a heart of gold. Love momma Sue. She is with my bay sis to comfort her. Miss them both.