Della Rae (Palmer) Cleland, 69, of Centralia, claimed her eternal promise on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

Born in Seneca, Kansas on November 6, 1950 to William Harlow Fleta Fern Morrison Palmer. When William died in 1951, Franklin Elmer Swain then raised her and loved her for the remainder of his life.

Della graduated from Seneca High School in 1968. She worked at the Sunset Cafe and she also dedicated most of her life to serving others as a Certified Nurse’s Aide.

Della married James Dale Cleland on June 12, 1971 in Seneca Kansas. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple for time and all eternity On May 17, 1986. She moved to Colorado in 1976 where she worked hard every day. A stroke in September 2002 left her wheelchair bound but that did not stop her from loving life. She enjoyed crocheting, needle point, bingo, computer games and visiting with old and new friends. All who knew her loved the smile that would light up a room.

Children: April (Paul) Vialpando of Arvada, Colorado, Amy (Danny) Edwards of Centralia, Kansas, Paul (Rachel) Cleland of Firestone Colorado and Jamie (George) Johnson of Centralia Kansas

Beloved grandchildren: Kylie Nicole Darnell of Centralia Kansas, Presley Mikaeh Claybaugh of Centralia Kansas, Kailyn Danielle Claybaugh of Centralia Kansas, Mason James Vialpando of Arvada Colorado, Andrew Clyde Edwards of Centralia Kansas, Parker James Edwards of Centralia Kansas, Scarlett Celeste Cleland of Firestone Colorado and Avalon Rae Johnson of Centralia Kansas

Siblings: Fleta Pellor of Granite Falls Washington, Billie (Robert) Baird of Manhattan Kansas, Marjorie Gentry of Centralia Kansas, William JR (Nancy) Palmer of Little Rock Arkansas, Clarence (Linda) Palmer of Topeka Kansas, Bernard (Bernie) Palmer or Seneca Kansas, Charles (Jan) Swain of Decatur Alabama, Linda (Donnie) Buessing of Baileyville Kansas, Connie Engelken of Seneca Kansas and Clara (Kenneth) of Baileyville Kansas.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother-in-laws (Jerry Gentry, Pete Engelken and Don Pellor), sister-in-law Betty Palmer, and nieces (Susan Carabello and Barbara Esselborn).

Survived by her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, siblings and many nieces and nephews all of whom she loved fiercely. In a book she wrote to her loved ones, she said, “I know that God lives and he gave me the best family anyone could ever have and I love each one of you the same”. Mosty Mosty!!!

Due to the critical situation our country is in, please remember the families during this difficult time and consider sending a card of condolence or posting on our website.
Della will lie in state on Sunday for public viewing and to sign the book; the family will not be present that day.
Funeral Services for Della will be PRIVATE on Monday, May 4, 2020.
Memorials are to be designated at a later date sent in care of the family.