Mary Palmatier

Mary Palmatier (born Mary Helen Fugh) received the breath of life from God on August 9, 1939 and while surrounded by her family was called home to sing in the Heavenly Choir on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Mary was preceded in death by her parents George Sr. and Sarah Fugh, her only sibling George Fugh Jr., her husband Robert Palmatier, and special niece Bobbie Jean Davis.

Mary loved God, her family, and was blessed with an exceptional gift of writing. She served on many levels within the Presbyterian Church (Cassopolis and Kalamazoo, MI and Hixson, TN) in roles ranging from elder, coordinator of events, homeless liaison, and volunteer coordinator for over 40 years. Although she was often the liaison between the church and community, her desire to help others continued as she dedicated a great deal of time serving on the YWCA's board supporting women who experienced domestic violence, coordinating food and clothing drives, and serving as a board member/advisor to assess programming and needs of the homeless community. After experiencing the need for volunteer support, she dedicated time at both the Cancer Center in Kalamazoo and Memorial Hospital in Hixson, supporting patients and their families as they endure trying times.

Through her gift of writing she created C&M Publishing Company where she authored six educational books for children entitled Black Achievers which highlighted the contributions of Blacks in science, space, medicine, and everyday inventions, that are used around the world, along with motivational cards.

She is survived by three children: her daughter Sararetha King of Hixson, TN, sons Anthony Chaney (Olga) of Holland, MI, and Cedric Russell (Amy) of Vicksburg, MI.

She was blessed with ten grandchildren. Tiffany Patterson (Ken) who was also her caregiver of Hixson, TN, Chantelle Chaney of Arlington, TX, Anthony Chaney Jr. of Paw Paw, MI, Arnold Ramirez (Amanda) of Brownsville, TX, Danielle Richey (Al) of Farmington Hills, MI, Yuri Ramirez (Frank) of Kentwood, MI, John Richey (Abby) of Hixson, TN, Mariah Harrison (Daniel) of Richland, MI, Mary (Trevor) Massoth of Portage, MI, Cedric Russell Jr. of Vicksburg, MI, and niece Kelly Small ( Dwayne) of Southfield, MI, and nephews George Fugh III of Blue Island, IL and Ishmael Black of Elkhart, IN. Mary was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and 3 God-children and also leaves behind her close friend Nelly Mahone of Harvey, IL whom have been friends for over 70 years.

A memorial service honoring Mary will be planned for a future date.