Barbara Palmer Certonio
February 11, 1921~ December 6, 2008
Barbara Palmer Certonio, 87, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2008. She was born February 11, 1921 in Blanding, UT to Benjamin Elias and Jennie Hawkins Palmer.
She married William (Willie) Certonio on June 13, 1939 in Blanding.
Barbara was raised and educated in Blanding and spent most of her life there, except for the last few years when she and Willie moved to Washington, UT to be near family.
In high school, Barbara loved both dancing and singing. She had a beautiful singing voice. She also played trumpet in the band and was a cheerleader.
She and Willie had three boys and because Willie was a heavy equipment operator with his own business, she and the boys spent alot of time with him on different jobs around the country.
She loved being out in the hills with the wildflowers and blooming cactus. In the evenings, she loved taking a ride to look for deer. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life.
Outside of being a homemaker, quilter, great cook and gardener, she also worked as a receptionist for Dr. Root in Blanding, as a clerk at Blanding Mercantile and the Dairy Queen, and for many years she assisted Willie with his construction business.
As a member of the LDS faith, she had fond memories of the Mia Maid girls she taught and the time she was able to spend with them.
She is survived by her sons Tony (Kerry) of Hurricane, UT, Wm. Terry (Sandy) of Washington, UT, and Bob (Shirlene) of Lancaster, CA; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and a sister, Ellen Brown of Blanding, UT.
She is preceded in death by her husband William (Willie) Certonio; granddaughter Tracy Todd Farnsworth; two sisters, three brothers and her parents.
A private family memorial service was held in Washington, UT on December 11, 2008. Graveside services were December 13 at the Blanding City Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, in St. George.