Helen G. Palmer, 85, Columbia City, died at 5:25 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Peabody Home, North Manchester where she had been a resident since January.

She was born March 8, 1930, in Cleveland Township, Whitley County a daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Ann (English) Gerard. She graduated from South Whitley High School.

On June 26, 1949 she was united in marriage to William M. Palmer. They made their first home in Churubusco later moving to Columbia City, moving to their home in Blue River Estates in 1997. Mr. Palmer died May 6, 2010. In May 2014 she moved to Oak Pointe.

Helen began working at Citizen’s National Bank in 1967, retiring in 1990 from Star Bank. Her memberships included Columbia City United Methodist Church, its Esther Circle and Home Extension Clubs.

Surviving relatives include a daughter and a son: Cheryl (Michael) Copp; David (Malinda) Palmer, all of Columbia City; five granddaughters; and 13 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter and a sister: Luella Grant.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in South Park Annex Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer’s Association or Columbia City United Methodist Church.