
Ann had a thirst for knowledge surpassed by few. Always with book in hand, she had a voracious appetite for the written word. Her command of language and keen ability to express herself were remarkable.
Ann loved nature and the out of doors. She had a special love for the deserts of Southern Utah. Twice she went on BYU's survival program where she experienced her unique connection to the beauty of the desert, a place she found not barren, but to the contrary, full of life. These early experiences played a part in the physical and emotional strength that she sustained throughout her life.
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Kelly B Jarvis
Ann and I were in every class in grade school at Douglas Elementary. She was the first girl I spoke to in Kindergarten. She and Gary Wood were the tallest kids in grade school. Ann's infectious laughter is what stands out in my mind. Once you got her laughing, it would make you laugh all the harder and then quickly you both would get to the point of not being able to stand up while laughing.
Ann was a brain and helped souls like me to review for important tests by sharing her clear, concise, study notes with me in the hall just before entering the classroom where the test would be held.
Madrigal choir was especially joyous with Ann in the group. She was at the top of any class and a great example of scholastic achievement.
I remember hiding under the desk during the earthquake in 5th grade as plaster from the ceiling dropped down in Mrs. Timothy's class. For taller people, the desk wasn't much protection as arms and legs stuck out from under the desk. This naturally led to discussion abou earthquake faults and the fact that the Wasatch fault went along 1300 East where Ann Lived. As we walked toward home along 1300 E, we tread more lightly that day after the quake hoping not to break a hole in the sidewalk and falling into the fault. It was only later we learned that faults are not open caverns, but clefts.
Scott Savage
It was in 7th grade when I first saw Ann. It was at an age when I wasn't supposed to be interested in girls yet, but I thought she was quite something of a looker at that time. She was a doll. I always had respect for Ann as she was very bright in some classes I had with her, I just didn't expand on a friendship like I should have, but her looks always brightened up the room.
Kim Julian
Oh my gosh. Ann was one of my very favorites; simply an awesome lady. I don't think I knew anyone smarter than Ann. My sister Cheri, East grad 71' (deceased in 80') was Ann's sister Susans' good friend. I thought Susan was cute, but when I met Ann, I was really smitten. Ann was my first "official" date; we saw The Graduate. I looked for every opportunity to see Ann (when she wasn't tied up with Mike Lloyd!). We cruised together in Mark Neering's 57' Chevy wagon, one time getting 2 flat tires simultaneously! Ann was a good athlete and I remember a fun golf date at Hidden Valley CC. Seems like we played tennis too. One summer day we put a canoe on top of my Jeep and went to the Great Salt Lake and explored the old Salt Palace ruins before it burned down. Ann wrote me on my mission, but I ended up at BYU and only saw her a few times after that in the early 70s.
Ann will be a friend forever; my life is richer for having known and loved her. I know I'll meet her again.
Jeanne Nebeker (Jardine)
I can't imagine high school without Ann Palmer. She was brilliant, beautiful, an amazing loving caring friend and had a laugh that could light up a room. I shared almost every trauma of my high school and college life with Ann; she listened, commented and we ended up laughing about something. She was one of East's brightest stars academically, socially and musically. It was hard to get a fix on how remarkable she was because she never talked about herself or her achievements.
She will always be someone I admired and loved. I miss her friendship all the time. She died of breast cancer at just about the same age she had lost her own mother from the same disease. Strong, independent and sharp to the end. We were all blessed to know her and grow up with her. I'm sure she's in a place where she feels our love.
Kathryn Esplin (Esplin-Oleski)
I think I saw Ann in the 90s at a trade show in Boston. I went to a lot in those days. I saw a booth with a company from Utah and a woman with the name tag, Ann Palmer, Salt Lake, PR. She did look like the Ann I'd gone to Douglas with and she looked at me as if she might have recognized me. I had my five year old son with me, and was in a bit of a hurry, so I didn't stop to talk, but I said to my son, I think I know her from Salt Lake. I was looking her up last night and discovered the very sad news about her, and found this website. Rest in Peace, Ann.
Jay Mower
Ann Palmer
Published in Salt Lake Tribune from Oct. 12 to Oct. 13, 2003