Carmen Varley Palmer

October 4, 1936 - November 29, 2020

Carmen Varley Palmer passed away from this life on November 29, 2020, after an extended illness. She was truly a shining light in our family and circle of friends and will be dearly missed. Carmen was born on October 4, 1936, in Pocatello, Idaho, to her dear parents James Merlin and Eula Lankford Varley. She grew up on her parents’ farm in Aberdeen, Idaho, where she learned the virtues of hard work as well as many other positive values. She attended grade school and high school in Aberdeen, then went on to Idaho State University in Pocatello to study nursing. In 1956 she married Larry Palmer and they lived in Pocatello where they had two children, Diane and Vaughn. In 1966 they moved to Burley, Idaho, and Carmen started working in banking. That job turned into her career which she both enjoyed and cursed, depending on the day. She was married to Larry until 1990 when she made the big move to Salt Lake City. There she continued to work in banking at what would eventually become U.S. Bank. We heard from co-workers that she was highly respected in the field and broke a few glass ceilings in a time when women had to fight to earn their place. She built a strong network of friends wherever she lived and especially in Salt Lake, both in the community and at the United Methodist Church. She was always reaching out to help others and would be the first one there if you were in need. Carmen was the North Star of our family, always guiding us in the right direction. Holiday gatherings at her home were the stuff of legend, always welcoming and providing heavenly meals. I’m not sure how we will get along without her Christmas boxes. If you were ever on the receiving end you know what we’re saying. She truly made the world a better place and will live on in all our hearts. Carmen never missed her morning walks of at least an hour. She enjoyed hiking, snowshoeing, cooking, gardening, and spending time in nature. She especially enjoyed gathering with family. She had a special circle of friends who enjoyed the arts, concerts, plays and just being together. Carmen volunteered at her church preparing communion, helping with meals and donations for their family support program, and working in the office. She also volunteered at Intermountain Hospital. Carmen was preceded in death by her parents Merlin and Eula, her husband Larry, her sister Barbara and sister-in-law Sandy. She is survived by her daughter, Diane (and Gerry) Nobuyama of Ketchum, Idaho, her son, Vaughn (and Jill) Palmer of Hailey, Idaho, her granddaughter Mariah (and Mike) Thorpe of Bozeman, Montana, and great granddaughter, Ember, also of Bozeman. Also grandkids Graham and Heather Watanabe of Salt Lake City, their daughters Edie and Scottie, and Shoji Watanabe of Eugene, Oregon. Also brother-in-law, Martin Chandler, and sons Ryan and Cody of Hailey, Idaho. Carmen absolutely provided a wonderful example of a life well lived, an extraordinarily strong, independent, and loving human being. In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to your favorite charity in her name. The Arthritis Foundation and Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 E. 3300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah, 84109, were two of her favorites. Thanks to all of her caregivers these last two months at University of Utah Hospital, Spring Creek Care Center and City Creek Post Acute. May your journey of love and caring continue and we hope you have a joyous reunion with loved ones! A service will be held when we can join together safely and hug each other.