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Susan Palmer Obituary
December 5, 1935 - December 10, 2025
NORMAL - Susan Palmer, 90, of Normal, passed away peacefully at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Martin Health Center in Bloomington.
Susan was born on December 5, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Nelson and Jeanette (Wertheimer) Ronsheim. She graduated from Ohio University in Athens and then she enjoyed a successful early career with Procter & Gamble. She married Larry Stevens and together they welcomed their first son, Bryon. Her family later relocated to Hawaii, where their second son, Tom, was born.
During her years in Hawaii, Susan immersed herself in the community. She served as an officer in the Kailua Newcomers' Club, continued her art studies, performed in local theater, sang with the Honolulu Symphony Chorus, and earned a degree in computer science. In 1983, she married James Palmer in Hawaii.
Susan moved to Illinois in 1985, where she continued to build a rich and creative life. She returned to art school, earned an associate's degree in graphic art, and worked professionally as an artist. She remained active in theater and music, singing with the Civic Chorale and studying Tai Chi. Susan also devoted countless hours to community service, volunteering with the Miller Park Zoo, PATH, the McLean County Historical Society, BroMenn, and the BCPA. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association, a past president of the Bloomington-Normal Symphony Guild, and a proud member of the Kiwanis Club. In addition, she shared her love of movement by teaching dance and exercise classes at the Normal Senior Center and the ARC.
Susan is survived by her sons, William Bryon Stevens of Hawaii and Thomas (Jaclyn) Stevens of Colorado; her grandchildren, Oren Stevens and Mara Stevens; and her step-sons, Jeffery Palmer and Michael Palmer.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both of her husbands, and her sisters, Sally Smith and Judy Guttman.
A memorial service will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the Normal Community Activity Center, 1110 Douglas St., Normal, IL 61761. Casual dress is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to PATH or the McLean County Arts Center.
Online condolences and memories of Susan may be left for her family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
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