Ralph James Palmer, aged 92, passed away after a long and brave battle with dementia on August 6, 2024. Ralph was born May 8, 1932 in Detroit, MI to Harold and Alice (Smith) Palmer. Ralph grew up in Detroit and graduated from Michigan State University in 1954. Upon graduation, Ralph served in the U.S Army, serving at Fort Carson, Colorado, where he met Jane Ronan, whom he married in 1956.
Ralph and Jane relocated to the Kansas City area, where Ralph worked for the Ford Motor plant in Claycomo for 37 years. Ralph and Jane moved to Prairie Village in 1964, where they lived for 55 years and were long-standing members of St. Ann Catholic Church. Much of their retirement years were spent at their Lake Lotawana house where they enjoyed boating, swimming and hosting family and friends.
A quiet, amiable figure among adults, Ralph shined with children, never missing an opportunity to make silly faces, tell corny jokes or help them get away with things before their parents caught them.
Ralph is preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by five children, Beth (Bob) Timmons of Troy, MO, Mike (Berta) Palmer of Grapevine, TX, Susan (Tom) Moloney of Basehor, KS, John (Marti) Palmer of Overland Park, KS and Ann Palmer of Troy, MO, as well as nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Ralph will be remembered by a Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church on Saturday, September 28th at 10:00 am. Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am prior to the Mass. Given Ralph’s lifetime of service to his family, the Catholic Church, his friends, and anyone he found to be in need, the family suggests the best remembrance of Ralph would be a donation to St. Ann Catholic Church or the charity of your choice.
