She was born April 7, 1931 in Sparland, IL to Leslie and Rose (Ely) Watkins. She married Bruno D. Palmer on April 18, 1953 in Peoria. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2020 in Peoria. Also preceding her in death were her three siblings, Wes Watkins, Al Watkins, and Myra Greenslet.
Surviving are her two daughters, Michele (Thomas) Green of Peoria and LuAnn (Michael) Clark of Shenandoah, VA; four grandchildren, Benjamin Green, Katie Clark, Nicholas (Rachel) Clark, and Abigail Clark; two siblings, Georga Mellen of Peoria and Joel (Cherri) Watkins of Chillicothe; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Martha began working as a clerk with Hiram-Walker Distillery and then later worked as a bookkeeper for the American Cancer Society until retiring in 1996. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Peoria and the Peoria Emblem Club #121, where she served as Treasurer. Martha enjoyed dancing, music, sewing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Cremation will be accorded and a funeral service will be on Friday, April 29, 2022 at 11:00 am at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Peoria. Inurnment will follow the service at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association. Words of comfort can be shared with the Palmer family at www.Davison-Fulton.com.