May 4, 1941 Aug. 6, 2024
Susan D. (Duthie) Palmer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the age of 81. She is survived by her husband James Palmer; daughters Mary Susan Palmer Sullivan and Sally LeBlanc and her husband Chuck; grandsons Jake Sullivan, Zachary LeBlanc, Sam LeBlanc and Jared LeBlanc; great-grandchildren Kade and Isla Mae Sullivan and Finnley and Gavin LeBlanc; brother John Duthie and his wife Judy; niece Kelly Duthie Carter and sister Elizabeth “Becky” Duthie. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Cleve William “Keever” Duthie.
She was born in Lewiston to John E.D. Duthie and Eunice Halsey. Susan’s life was filled with passion, laughter and a deep connection to the land and its creatures. Growing up on the Duthie ranch along the Snake River is where her love for animals began. She played guitar and sang with a spirit that resonated with everyone around her. As the 1961 Lewiston Roundup Queen, she left an indelible mark on her community.
Susan met Jim Palmer at the University of Idaho and their love story led to a marriage that lasted 60 years. Together, they journeyed from Pittsburgh, to Belleville, Ill., and finally settled in Redmond, Wash., in 1969. Their home on a few acres allowed them to have horses, goats, cows, rabbits and a menagerie of dogs and cats. Susan’s green thumb graced the landscape with vibrant flowers and a vegetable garden.
Susan’s passion for animals extended to her daughters, Mary and Sally. The girls loved being in 4-H and she enjoyed taking them to fairs, competitions and events. As a 4-H leader and chaperone, she became like a second mother to many kids sharing her humor and infectious laughter. Her funny jokes were a trademark and anyone who knew Susan eagerly awaited her next punchline.
When grandsons Jake, Zach, Sam and Jared arrived, Susan embraced her role as “Nana.” She spoiled them with love, leaving cherished memories that will endure.
In May 2022, Susan and Jim moved to Spokane, residing at South Hill Village to live closer to their daughter Mary.
A family gathering will celebrate Susan’s life at a later date. Let us remember her with smiles, stories and gratitude for the joy she brought to our lives. Neptune Society of Spokane is in charge of arrangements: neptunesociety.com/obituaries/spokane-wa/susan-palmer-11931147.
Memorials for Susan may be made to: WSU Foundation, Attn: WA 4-H Excellence Susan Duthie Palmer, P.O. Box 646228, Pullman, WA 99164-6228, or make the gift in her memory online at: bit.ly/WA4H.