Jean Brown, 75, of Smolan, formerly of Salina, passed away Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Salina Regional Health Center of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

She was born on August 27, 1939 in Palco, KS, to Frank Grant and Lucille Thompson. Jean was a Palco High School alumnus, class of 1957. She was married to her husband of 55 years, Jerry Brown, in Denver, CO, on October 3, 1959. She worked for Schwan’s Sales at Tony’s in Salina for 27 years, retiring in 2000. Afterwards she volunteered at Salina Regional Health Center for five years in the ICU.

Jean is survived by her husband, Jerry Brown, of Smolan, formerly of Salina; daughter, Rochelle Albers and husband Curt Albers, of Smolan; son, Jerry Brown and wife Demaris Brown, of Pleasanton, CA, and five grandchildren, Tyler Brown, Brooke Brown, Carleigh Albers, Conner Brown and Carrie Albers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Grant and Lucille Thompson; half-sister, Charlotte Desbien and half-brother, Cecil Grant.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at a later date in 2015 around the time of her birthday on August 27. Memorials may be made to KU Endowment for ALS Research or the ISIS Shrine Travel Fund, both in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401.

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Jocelyn Beth Palmer, 86, of Salina, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Presbyterian Manor, Salina. She was born Dec. 19, 1927, in Salina, the daughter of Paul Franklin and Josie Myrtle (Schultz) Swartz.

She married Gerald Keith Palmer on Dec. 28, 1952, at First Christian Church, Salina. He preceded her in death on June 12, 2011.

She graduated from Christian College (A.A.) in Columbia, Mo., Kansas State University (B.S. with honors) and University of Iowa (M.A.). Her lifelong passion was education, with an emphasis on early childhood.

Jo was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Salina, as well as many civic organizations. From 1975-1987, she faithfully served on the Salina School Board. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by family and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Josie Swartz; husband, Gerald Keith Palmer; and brother, Paul Elwin Swartz.

Survivors include a son, David Palmer and wife Sally Coats, of Olympia, Wash.; daughter, Paula Krehbiel and husband Kevin, of Paola; a son, Brian Palmer and wife Mary Nacrelli, of Parkville, Mo.; and a daughter, April Lynn Palmer Gray and husband Robert Gray, of Richland, Miss.; grandchildren, Collin Krehbiel, Tyler and Marissa Krehbiel, Ryan Krehbiel, Andrew Palmer and Emily Palmer; and great-grandson, Ethan Krehbiel.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, with family receiving friends from 6-7, at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina 67401. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at First Presbyterian Church, Salina.

Memorials may be made to Salina Presbyterian Manor for the employee education fund.