Kayla Jean Palmer August 8, 1994 - May 19, 2023

It is with devasted hearts that we announce the passing of Kayla Jean Palmer on May 19, 2023.  Kayla was born August 8, 1994, in Provo Utah to Kenneth and Dori Palmer.  Kayla came into this world full of energy and spunk.  Her grandpa gave her the nick name of OC (for out of control), at the age of one.  The name stuck and during many of her sports activities she was cheered on as OC.

Kayla loved sports and we often joked that she was the best athlete in the family.  Her senior year in high school she played in the state championship game for both softball and volleyball.  It was heartbreaking to not bring home a championship, but Kayla cherished those friendships and memories.  After high school Kayla went to Snow College to play softball.  There she met Cody Smart, and they married on July 2, 2013.  They share one daughter, Hannah Dee Smart.  They divorced in 2015.

Hannah was her mom’s entire world, and they did everything together!  Fishing, camping, boating, long boarding, hiking, yearly trips to Lake Powell, Disneyland, soccer, volleyball, and of course SOFTBALL.  Kayla loved the game of softball, and she played a lot of it.  Hannah was always with her literally growing up at the ball field. Kayla was helping coach Hannah’s softball team this year and loved every minute of it.  We know that Kayla will never stop cheering Hannah on!

Kayla fit right in with 5 brothers.  Whatever they did, she was right there beside them.  Kayla was the life of the party and never missed a card game or Mario Party challenge. Kayla loved having all her brothers live so close.  Her brothers are so grateful for the memories and strengthened relationships they developed from hanging out daily.  Kayla was a thoughtful daughter, sister, and favorite aunt.  She always knew when you needed a phone call or a funny text.   She loved to plan sleepovers or activities with Hannah, Kolby, and Makady.  She loved on baby Navy every single chance she got.

Addiction was part of Kayla’s story, but it didn’t define her.  She was proud of her 5 years of recovery.  She made it her mission to help others on the path.  She played softball with “Addicts Fighting Back”, and they became her recovery family!  She cherished the friendships she developed, and she was always up for a game.  Kayla’s family is grateful for the love and support shown from this community.

Kayla’s death leaves a void in our lives that can’t be filled and questions that we may never have answers to in this life.  We are trusting in Heavenly Father’s plan and hoping for peace and understanding.  Kayla taught us all so much about overcoming adversity and staying positive.  She was truly a light and was striving to be the best person she could be.

Kayla is survived by her daughter Hannah Dee Smart.  Her mother Dori Palmer.  Brothers Trevor (Brooke) Palmer, Tyler (Danna) Palmer, Tanner (Savanna) Palmer, Tate Palmer, and Trace Palmer.  Grandparents Gaylen and Marilyn Palmer (Salem, Utah), and Dee Jay and Carol Bigler (Mapleton, Utah).  Nephew Kolby Palmer and nieces Makady Palmer, and Navy Palmer.  And many aunts, uncles, cousins that loved her.  She is proceeded in death by her father Kenneth Palmer and her uncle Devan Bigler.

A viewing will be held Tuesday May 23, from 6pm-8pm at Walker Funeral Home in Spanish Fork, Utah. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday May 24 at 11:00 am at 470 East Salem Canal Road.  A viewing will be held prior to services from 9-10:30 AM.  Interment will follow at Salem City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Kayla Palmer through Zions bank.  All monies raised will be used for Hannah’s education.