. Ruth Palmer

Ruth K. Palmer, 89, of Rockford, IL, formerly of Freeport, IL passed away Saturday November 25, 2023 at home. She was born May 30, 1934 in Decatur, IL to William C. and Jenny R. (Garrison) Wisdom. Ruth was employed at Micro Switch in Freeport for 30 years as a wheelabrutor. Ruth was a member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church in Freeport. Church was a very big part of Ruth’s life and she served as a Mother at Mt. Carmel. She was a very fashionable and well dressed woman, who enjoyed accessories and was known for her hats and shoes. Ruth enjoyed cooking and entertaining. She loved to serve the people in her life, especially her family, friends, church and community. Ruth was raised in Decatur, IL by her grandmother, and she always stayed very close with her cousins. She made a point to stay in touch with all family and attend annual family reunions. Ruth was the family historian and matriarch.

She is survived by her five children Jerry (Jessa) Dunson of Albuquerque, NM, Rosalyn Dunson of Rockford, IL, Joseph (lonia) Dunson of Freeport, IL, Clark Palmer of Albuquerque, NM, Charles Palmer of Freeport, IL and Maurice Palmer of Freeport, IL; three stepchildren Audrey Palmer of Chicago, IL, Keith Palmer of Madison, WI, and Wesley Palmer of Minnesota; thirteen grandchildren Anthony Groom, Marcus Dunson, Angela (Harry) Walker, Rodney Robinson, Jaqueline (Kevin) Cooley, Deirdre Barbary, Jovonna (Julius) Dunson LaGrone, Rosalyn (Benjamin) Babler, Anna Dunson, Chantelle Palmer, Jonathan Palmer, William Palmer, Jasmine Palmer, fifteen great-grandchilden; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

Preceding Ruth in death are her parents, two husbands Jerry Dunson II and John William Palmer, son Jackie (Jewel), daughter Ellen Dunson-Johnson, and siblings William Wisdom, Milderson (Millie) Bruce, Charles Wisdom, and Robert Wisdom.

Memorial services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday December 8, 2023 at Crossroads Community Church in Freeport with Rev. James Hughes officiating. Burial of cremated remains will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur, IL. A memorial has been established in Ruth’s memory.