Etta Celia Palmer August 22, 1948 - September 8, 2025

Etta Celia Palmer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, in Spanish Fork, Utah, at the age of 77. Her life was a beautiful reflection of faith, family, service, and love.
Born on August 22, 1948, in Monticello, Utah, Celia was the cherished daughter of William and Jean Gresko. She was raised in a home grounded in hard work and faith, values she carried throughout her life. Along with her twin brother, she was the youngest of six children, and together they filled their childhood with a touch of mischief and laughter. After graduating from West High School in Mesa, Arizona, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Brigham Young University.
On March 17, 1973, she married the love of her life, Donald George Palmer, in Phoenix, Arizona. Their marriage was later eternally sealed in the Manti Utah Temple, a testament to their enduring love and shared faith. For 52 years, they built a loving home together, navigating life side by side. They began their marriage in Phoenix, Arizona, where they lived for five years before settling in Spanish Fork, Utah, the place where they raised their family and created a lasting legacy.
Celia dedicated many years to the U.S. Postal Service, where her reliability, kindness, and warmth made her a beloved colleague and community member. Outside of her professional life, her family was the center of her world. She was a passionate traveler, avid reader, and talented cook, but her greatest joy came from supporting her children and grandchildren. Whether at dance performances, choir concerts, swim meets, cheer competitions, or baseball games, she was always there — cheering them on with pride and offering her constant love and encouragement.
Known by all as “one of the sweetest women,” Celia’s generosity was boundless. She was constantly giving of herself and loved sharing thoughtful gifts with others. Her daughters, Tara and Tiffany, cherished an especially close bond with their mother, often spending Friday afternoons together over lunch, treasuring those simple but meaningful moments. She also deeply loved her son, Troy, and valued his creativity and artwork, which brought her great joy and pride.
A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Celia served in numerous callings throughout her life. Together with her husband, she served a service mission for the Church from August 31, 2010, to August 31, 2011. Her quiet strength, compassion, and testimony touched countless lives and reflected her deep devotion to the gospel.
She is survived by her loving husband, Donald; her three children: Troy Palmer, Tara (Scott) Leifson, and Tiffany (Kevin) Keller; twelve grandchildren: Brayden Palmer, Maryn Palmer, Meikel Childs, Kennady Leifson, Brooklyn Leifson, Easton Leifson, Emma Leifson, Carter Leifson, Madison Keller, Paisley Keller, Ava Keller, and Jaxon Keller; and two great-granddaughters, Brixley and Oakley Childs. She is also survived by her twin brother, Edward Gresko; her brother, John Gresko; and her sister, Myrna Burgess.
Celia was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Mark and Ronald Gresko; and her grandson, William Leifson.
Her legacy is one of unwavering love, quiet strength, and joyful devotion. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
A celebration of Celia’s life will be held in Spanish Fork, on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 870 East Canyon Road, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory and the remarkable life she led. A visitation will be held prior to her services beginning at 9:45 and going until 10:45 a.m.