Josephin Elizabet Palmer , December 29, 1924 — October 06, 2018

Josephine Elizabeth Palmer passed away peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, October 6, 2018. She was born on December 29, 1924 to Otto and Freida Buxkemper in George West, Texas, and lived to the age of 93. She was always a devout and active participant in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Cottage Grove, Oregon and for the last two years at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newport, Oregon.

Josie willfully gave donations of time and money, and reached out to friends and new acquaintances in support of their growth in faith. Many groups and activities benefitted from her enthusiasm and good natured dedication. Her smile was a welcome and uplifting sign of her good faith.

She may have been short, having never reached five feet tall, but she was never lacking of encouragement and caring for others. Josie was a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ during World War II, having worked on repairing aircraft to aid in the war effort. She married Albert Palmer in 1943 and they raised 7 children together.

Always encouraging and loving, Josie was selflessly focused on the needs and well-being of her husband and children. She maintained an uncompromising view of right and wrong, and taught that to her children at every opportunity. When Al was injured, Josie went back to work, first at Montgomery Wards and then as a teacher’s aide at Harrison Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement.

Josie enjoyed traveling and bunka shishu embroidery, winning several blue ribbons for her artistry. Her passion for the Ducks was unrivalled by most, a love she shared with her husband, Al. Left to cherish their memory of her are her children, Robert (Patricia) Palmer of Houston, Texas, James Palmer of Eugene, Oregon, Father William Palmer of Newport, Oregon, Patricia (Matthew) Rouse of Deer Park, Illinois, Jeanne Gibson of Eugene, Oregon, Joseph Palmer of Plano, Texas, and by her brother, Mervin Buxkemper of Bandera, Texas.

She has nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Palmer, eldest son John Palmer, siblings Lawrence Buxkemper, Vernon Buxkemper, Lillie Maglothin, Mary Selix, Celestine Mayes and Evelyn Dubose. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 13th at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cottage Grove, with a reception following. Burial will follow at Fir Grove Cemetery.

Visitation at Smith-Lund-Mills Chapel on Friday, October 12th from 6-8 pm. Arrangements in the care of Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove, OR.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.