Nov. 6, 1945 — Sept. 6, 2018
Heaven gained an angel with the sudden passing of Dena Jean Hollman-Palmer. Dena grew up in North Hollywood, California, and was fortunate to find love at first sight when she met and married her husband, William Wade Palmer, in the Los Angeles Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together over 55 years, they created a large, loving family of six children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, with another on the way.
Dena was the oldest of four children born to Norma Thompson and James Hollman. She devoted her life to serving the Lord and raising her family. She had a strong testimony of the gospel within the LDS church – a testimony that inspired many. She relished her many callings within the church in Primary, Young Women’s and Relief Society, but serving as Relief Society president was where her light shined brightest. Many have said she was the best Relief Society president they ever had.
Dena spent time working in television and beauty products, but her true life’s work was being a pillar of strength in her family and community. Despite many relocations in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas of California, Dena made friends quickly and easily with her love for social activities.
Dena loved every opportunity to socialize with friends and family. Holidays and birthdays were spent in close quarters with the ones she loved, playing games like Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble. She always won.
Her memory was sharp as an ax, and she told wonderful stories of her life that fascinated those around her. She kept hundreds of journals detailing her memories and everyday life. She also filled time researching genealogy to further keep important memories alive.
Her life was a joyous one, filled with dancing and laughter and the pitter-patter of little feet. She loved the beach in her home state of California but also loved the mountains and desert plains of Utah.
Dena faced struggles in life, but she did not take them for granted. Her journal can be quoted:
When I catch myself falling into sadness or depression, I try to correct it. I have found that the most effective way to fight those feelings is to replace them with gratefulness. I am so grateful for the sun. For light and warmth. For the stars and beauty of the sky. For flowers, trees, beautiful animals and birds. And for all the amazing creatures of a God who shows us love in all his creations.
We are so grateful for you – our wife, mom and grandma, Dena Palmer.
Dena is preceded in death by her parents, Norma Thompson and James Hollman. She is survived by her loving husband, William Palmer; her siblings Lona Lopez, Jim Hollman and Wayne Hollman; her children; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services
- Viewing services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. at the LDS church on 550 E. 700 South, St. George.
- Funeral services will be held following viewing at 11 a.m. at the church, with dedication of the grave taking place in Toquerville immediately following.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of McMillan Mortuary, 435-688-8880.
For condolences, full obituary and funeral listings please visit McMillan Mortuary online.