Anna Marie Karlson, “Ree”, age 81, of Liberty Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026.
She was born September 1, 1944, to Edward Thill and Martha Thill in Spokane, and was the third of four children.
Anna Marie was married to Navy officer Cptn. Timothy Palmer (retired), and they had two children: daughter Jeanette Palmer and son Jim Palmer. She was later divorced and remarried for 33 years to Marine Major Kenneth Karlson of Montana.
Being a military spouse moved her to many states – she lived in WA, FL, TX, CA, VA, and MT. She and Ken retired to Florence, MT where they enjoyed horseback riding and camping. She was an avid gardener and baker. After Ken’s passing in 2017, she returned to the Spokane area to be closer to her brothers. She rebuilt an active life as a member of the Red Hat Society, bridge player, bunko player, theater and movie goer. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with her friends, and was known for her good luck. She was also a prolific crafter who enjoyed diamond dots, crochet, and plastic crafts. She was a woman of faith in the Catholic church.
She is survived by younger sister Mary Jo Kern and her husband Ben, her older brother Ed Thill and his wife Karen; her daughter Jeanette Palmer and spouse Malcolm Quinn; her son Jim Palmer and spouse Pamela Palmer; and her biological and step-grandchildren TJ, Caleb, Zia, Jacob, and Josh and his wife Caroline.
Anna Marie was also preceded in death by her mother and father, and her older brother Charles “Chuck” Thill.
Ree will be remembered with deep love for her positive spirit and energy. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed.
Her brother and sister-in-law have arranged for a mass in her honor on August 19 at St. Aloysius Church, 330 E Boone Ave, Spokane, WA. It can also be watched on livestream at www.stalschurch.org.
There will be a formal memorial service in the fall, when the family will place her ashes next to her husband at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT.
To share memories of Ree or to give condolences to her family, please visit www.hennesseyfh.com.
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