PALMER, Mary Louise (Mella)

The Arizona Republic 3/16/2010 Palmer, Mary Louise "Mella" Udall, 78, of Thatcher, Arizona passed away March 10, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Mella was born September 10, 1931 in Thatcher. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jesse A. and Lela Lee Udall. She and her husband, Arden Palmer, have been married for 57 years, living most of that time in Thatcher. She lived in Carmel, Indiana for 3 years from 1980-83 where she assisted her husband as he served as President of the Indiana Indianapolis Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following that they lived in Mesa, Arizona for 10 years, while Arden worked under President Reagan in the Agriculture Dept. They retired back to Thatcher in 1985 where she lived until the time of her death. Mella is survived by: her devoted husband Arden; six children, Jim (Celinda) Palmer, Mellani (Jeff) Larson, and Shari (Jimmy)Elkins, each of Thatcher, Dave (Cyndi) Palmer, John (Shelley) Palmer, of Gilbert and Charlotte (Andy) Stewart, of Mesa; her sister, Lee Flaherty; and her brother, David (Louise) Udall. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, March 22, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the Thatcher Stake Center. Interment will follow at the Thatcher Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening, March 21, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and Monday afternoon, March 22, 2010 from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at the Thatcher L.D.S. Stake Center. Online condolences may be offered at viningfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home of Safford. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Vining Funeral Home, Safford, Arizona Mary Louise “Mella” Udall Palmer, 78, of Thatcher, Arizona passed away March 10, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Mella was born September 10, 1931 in Thatcher. She is the daughter of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Jesse A. and Lela Lee Udall. She and her husband, Arden Palmer, have been married for 57 years, living most of that time in Thatcher. She lived in Carmel, Indiana for 3 years from 1980-83 where she assisted her husband as he served as President of the Indiana Indianapolis Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following that, they lived in Mesa, Arizona for 10 years, while Arden worked under President Reagan in the Agriculture Dept. They retired back to Thatcher in 1985 where she lived until the time of her death. Mella was very active in the L.D.S. church serving in many capacities including Ward and Stake Relief Society Presidencies, Primary and Young Women. One of her most enjoyable callings was as ward organist and accompanist for the Singing Mothers. She also accompanied the Gila Valley production of Handel’s Messiah for several years. She was a very active member of the Mt. Graham Hospital Auxiliary, Republican Women, and the Gila Harmonizers. She has been a great support to her husband, Arden, in his many civic, professional and church responsibilities. Of all her accomplishments, her greatest happiness came from caring for and loving her family.