Thelma May (Wilson) Palmer, 80, of 4845 Johnson Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, August 9, 2007, at Silver Pines Assisted Living Community, following a short illness. Private family graveside services will be held.
Survivors include two daughters, Laura Pierson of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Sherry Brock of Mountain Home, Arkansas; a son, Ralph L. Klotz of Cedar Rapids; two grandchildren, Andrea Green and Ralph T. Klotz; a great-granddaughter, Hannah Green; a brother, Walter (Phyllis) Wilson of Cedar Rapids; and a sister, Ramona Wilson of Marion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Earl “Arkie” Wilson; and two stepbrothers, Jim and Bob Farr.
Thelma was born May 2, 1927, the daughter of Walter and Lelia (Williams) Wilson, in Riverside, Iowa. She was a member of the pioneer decedents of Scott County, Iowa. Thelma was part Cherokee Indian and part Irish. In 1952, she married Ralph Klotz. A 1st Class Petty Officer, Ralph was a torpedo man’s mate in a submarine for the United States Navy. They later divorced in 1962. In her later years, she became a home caregiver for many people. Thelma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cedar Rapids 3rd Ward. She was baptized and confirmed on February 1, 1963.