OBITUARY
Patty Palmer
October 27, 1949 – November 18, 2019
Patricia A Palmer, 70, passed from this world to join her mother and other close relatives in Heaven. Patty succumbed to a serious health condition after a month long battle at The University of Kansas Medical Center on Monday, November 18, 2019.
Patty was born on October 27, 1949 in Kansas City, KS. Her parents were Mary (Troupe) Huddlestun and Arvis G. Huddlestun. Her parents preceded her in death.
Patty was passionate about several things. First and foremost, she loved and cared for her family. She was most proud of her children, Brooke (Ted) Grothe, Brian Palmer and Bradley Palmer, all of Overland Park, KS and her grandchildren, Gwendolyn, Graham and Grant Grothe. They were the light of her life the past 6 years, and she spent endless hours caring for and entertaining the Grothe children. Her family also included her brothers, Scott (Nancy) Huddlestun and Mark (Janet) Huddlestun and brothers-in-law, Bob (Marsha) Palmer and Jerry Palmer. She had many nieces and nephews who she was thrilled to spoil like her own children and grandchildren. She was considered by many as their “second mom” and treated anyone she knew like family.
Another of Patty’s passions was her love of education. She studied and graduated from Pittsburg State University with an education degree. In addition, she received Masters and Doctorate degrees in education from the University of Kansas. Patty held teaching positions in several schools in Kansas City. Over the years, she worked as an education consultant for several universities including Kansas University, University of Missouri-Kansas City and Missouri Western University. She was the founder of Operation Outreach, a center for training and supporting teachers. More recently, she co-developed economic education curriculum for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and was a member of the Missouri Council on Economic Education. She loved sharing her passion with other educators and was quite good at her profession and her influence will be a lasting legacy.
Patty was united in marriage to Mike Palmer on May 22, 1971, he survives of the home. In addition to being a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend she was a wonderful spouse and supported all of her family in a most selfless way. Her zest for life was infectious, and she brought joy to all who had the opportunity to know her.
A visitation will be 5-7 pm, Friday, November 22, 2019 at McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel in Overland Park, KS. Her Funeral Mass will be at 9:00 am, Saturday, November 23, 2019 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Prairie Village, Kansas. Her burial will immediately follow in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 83rd and Quivira Road, in Lenexa. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Chillicothe Education Foundation, PO Box 620 Chillicothe, MO 64601 or to the Patty Palmer Memorial Fund administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, 1055 Broadway Blvd., Suite 130, Kansas City, MO 64105. Online donation page available as well at https://gkccf.kimbia.com/patt10
FAMILY
- Arvis G. Huddlestun and Mary (Troupe) Huddlestun, Parents (deceased)
- Mike Palmer, Husband
- Brooke Grothe (Ted), Daughter
- Brian Palmer, Son
- Bradley Palmer, Son
- Gwendolyn Grothe, Grandchild
- Graham Grothe, Grandchild
- Grant Grothe, Grandchild
- Scott Huddlestun (Nancy), Brother
- Mark Huddlestun (Janet), Brother
- Bob Palmer (Marsha), Brother-in-law
- Jerry Palmer, Brother-in-law
- Patty also leaves behind many nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
PALLBEARERS
- Aaron Palmer
- Carson Palmer
- Adam Michel
- Cooper Michel
- Brock Huddlestun
- Jake Huddlestun
- Derek Huddlestun
- Jordon Garrison
DONATIONS
-
The Chillicothe Education Foundation
P.O. Box 620, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601
- Patty Palmer Memorial Fund
-
Patty Palmer Memorial Fund
Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, 1055 Broadway Blvd., Suite 130 , Kansas City, Missouri 64105
Services
- Visitation Friday, November 22, 2019
- Funeral Mass Saturday, November 23, 2019
- Graveside Service Saturday, November 23, 2019
Memories
Patty Palmer
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYBridgettte Moore
November 27, 2019
I had told my class we'd have a special guest on our last mini society market day. My students all have issues with social emotional learning.
I told them when they asked if the special guest wasn't going to make it because of an untimely death.
One of my fifth graders told me "It's okay to be sad that she's not here. But you need to be glad that before she died she taught you so you could teach us. Now we know something we wouldn't have if she hadn't been here. It's okay to be sad and glad at the same time."
Gary Stone
November 26, 2019
Being around Patty was always an enjoyable experience. Her warm smile and enthusiasm were so special to all of us in the field of economic education. I miss her and know there will be a noticeable void at the NAEE conference in February. What an incredible person Patty was!
Laurie Fairchild
November 23, 2019
Todd and I send our sincere condolences to Patty's family. Patty always inspired me with her passion for life and learning. As a teacher in Chillicothe, I enjoyed our conversations about teaching, learning, and how to best inspire the students. Rest in peace, Patty.
Diana Stickler
November 22, 2019
So sorry to hear about Patty. She was one exceptional person. She had the ability to make the people around her feel special. She enjoyed Tom's steak marinade and prime rib he would cook for her very much. My thoughts are with you.
Steve & Stacy Hacker
November 21, 2019
We done the flooring in their house and Patty was the sweetest lady you could meet. We are sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you and your family in this time of loss.
The Hacker Family
Karen Dixon
November 21, 2019
Patty Palmer was a wonderful mother and a great supporter of her children’s education. I had the privilege of being both Brooke and Bradley’s kindergarten teacher. Patty was a classroom volunteer and willing to help with any project. At that time, she and I did look alike. She laughed when children would see her outside the school building and call her Mrs. Dixon. For years, Patty was Mrs. Dixon #2 among the teachers in my building. She will be missed. Mike, Brooke, Brian, and Brad, you have my deepest heartfelt wishes and sympathy.
Rita Littrell
November 21, 2019
Patty was such a cheerful and caring person. She cared for everyone. She remembered what was important to everyone. When I left UMKC she gifted me with a quilted vest that hangs in my office today. It represented all the really important things from my time there.
Professionally, Patty worked tirelessly to reach educators in the rural areas. This meant many miles of driving but she was committed and single-handedly brought economic education to those teachers. She was creative and found new opportunities for serving educators in her area. She was involved at the national level of our organization serving on several committees. She even chaired a committee of one until she found some colleagues/friends to work with her.
Patty was problem solver. She found her way around obstacles. She used this skill with the Missouri programs and at the national level. She asked a lot of questions and them formulated solutions. A few years back she was having an issue with her cell phone. She thought I was techy and might be able to help! Fortunately, I stumbled onto a simple fix. But that caused her to think I knew a lot about tech! :) I was honored that someone had that opinion! :) She frequently mentioned how I solved her problem.
Most of all, Patty was always cheerful and thoughtful. Her kind spirit will be missed. When people think of Patty's life, they will smile from the positive memories. She touched many through her positive energy.
Susan Lidholm
November 21, 2019
I was shocked and filled with sorrow to read this news. When I started to teach Personal Finance back in 2008, Patty was my mentor and guide, and I relied on her heavily to get me through the first year of teaching Personal Finance. I will always be grateful to her for her positive attitude and continuous support.
My last email conversation with Patty was in April 2019. Our conversation in the last email was regarding her helping me connect my students with an individual who worked on Wall-Street. This type of mentoring program was offered through the Investwrite program, which Patty helped to support. The Wall-Street employee took the time to share his career path and work experience with my students. My students were thrilled to receive this type of mentoring. Patty's effort with the Personal Finance Challenge, Investwrite, and SMG game, made Financial Education become "real-life" to my students.
Patty shared a lot of the creative curriculum instruction shared with me and I was able to capture the student's attention and share some very important life-skills regarding financial education. She was very instrumental in helping me bring the curriculum to my students in way that they valued what was being taught and realized the importance of the subject. I only wish I could of vocalized this to Patty before her passing.
With a heavy heart,
Susan B. Lidholm
Business Teacher
Rock Bridge High School
Columbia, Missouri
573-214-3100
Nan Morrison
November 21, 2019
Patty was a valued colleague of the Council for Economic Education and our affiliates. She brought joy and passion to everything we did together. Importantly, she was still hoping for another Mets/Royals matchup so that we could have our friendly bet and she could get her box of goodies from Zabars - still makes me smile. My and our best to you at this painful time.
Sincerely,
Nan
Nan J. Morrison, CEO, CEE
Selena Swartzfager
November 21, 2019
I knew Patty through the National Association of Economic Educators (NAEE) network. I want her family to know how adored she was. She was always working to make this world a better place. I had the pleasure of serving on the NAEE executive committee with her for many years. She will be missed!
Kathleen (Adams) Pina
November 21, 2019
What an amazing lady! I was blessed to spend lots of time with Patty and your family while growing up. She was one of the best examples of a wife and mom, and I am a better wife and mom for knowing her. She was always welcoming and treated all the kids in and around her home like her kids. Her warm, love, and affection was always evident. I will always remember her cooking in the kitchen, especially her Velveeta chicken and sweet treats. I will be praying for you all with the loss of this very special wife and mom.
Melanie Hurley
November 20, 2019
As a kid, I never knew exactly what Patty did for a living. She was just Patty, the super fun, super-prepared, full-of-life Patty (who snuck tons of snacks in her purse for us at the Ben Bolt). I remember the moment I learned she was DR. Patty Palmer. I was SO AMAZED and wanted to be as smart as she was. She always believed in me, encouraged me to dream big (even when I didn’t feel worthy), and made me feel like a million bucks after talking to her. I can still hear her say “Oh Mel” with her sweet chuckle and smile. Having Patty in my life has made me a better person. I loved her so, and love you all too. I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss.
Brenda Jenkins
November 20, 2019
There are so many positive memories of Patty through MBEA. She was always passionate about personal finance education and always willing to stop and chat to offer any assistance. In addition to providing references, links, and such she had the awesome ability among her continued smile to provide support and encouragement as well. Her joy was infectious! We loved every presentation she gave. She will be missed.
Melissa Hanrahan
November 20, 2019
I was sorry to hear about Patty’s passing. She was always helpful in making my job as a high school economics teacher easier. I was so blessed to work with her each year for the past 3 years on the economics challenge. I am truly going to miss her and our phone conversations.
Bridgettte Moore
November 20, 2019
I only met Patty this summer at programs at the Federal Reserve. She was very generous with her time. She got me set up a Mini Society in my classroom. I was looking forward to inviting her to our last market day next month. She was going to be my adviser for my Piece of the Pie.
I can only imagine how big of a loss her passing is on those who knew her better.