Donna Packer

DONNA PACKER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Donna Lee Rudd Packer, 77, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, died May 14, 2009, at her home surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was born on April 15, 1932, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Linford Lucas Rudd and Bertha Viola Workman Rudd. Her father worked in the grocery business in Kansas until 1948, at which time they moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He worked for Albertson's with a primary job of opening new grocery stores, which required several moves. She attended college at Idaho State College, Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA), Ricks College, and graduated from Brigham Young University in 1954 with a teaching degree. She taught first grade for a year and then went on a mission to Western Canada, where she served in Vancouver, British Columbia, Edmonton, Alberta, and finishing in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. When she returned to Idaho Falls, she taught the third grade until the end of that school year. She then got a contract to teach school in the Salt Lake City School District and moved there in August of 1956. While in Salt Lake, she was called to serve on the General Sunday School Board for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She married Ossian L. Packer from St. Anthony, Idaho in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 20, 1959. They had six children; Lynnette, Lori, Lisa, Lee, Flint, and Michael. Donna loved the outdoors. She enjoyed skiing and went as often as she could with her family until her health prevented her from going. She was an avid fisherman and enjoyed many fishing trips with her family. This love of fishing led her to discover what would become one of her favorite places, Lake Powell. Over the years she and her family enjoyed many trips to Lake Powell. Her children and grandchildren have many fond memories of their trips to Lake Powell with Grandma and Grandpa each summer. She was also a world traveler and visited many countries with her husband. In their later years they enjoyed taking their motorhome to different areas in the country and visiting their children and grandchildren. She loved to read – she read anything and everything - and was always learning new things. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout her life she has served many callings in each of the church's organizations. She was an especially gifted teacher and speaker. Donna was a kind, generous, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She influenced all of us by her great example, her strength, and her faith. She will be greatly missed, but her family knows that she is finally free from the pain that has plagued her most of her life. She was loved dearly by her family. Donna is survived by her husband, Ossian Leonidas Packer; five children: Lynnette (Jerry) Beste, Lori (Sergio) Horcos, Lisa (Kyle) Stewart, Lee (Tim) Urling, and Flint (Lisa Marie) Packer. She has 22 grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents, Linford and Viola; her brothers, Kent Rudd and Robert ‘Bobby' Rudd; her sister, Doris Call; her son, Michael, and a grandson, Andrew Urling. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2009 at the Idaho Falls LDS Shamrock Park Ward, 3195 South Holmes Avenue (corner of Sunnyside and Holmes), with Bishop Howard Harper officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Monday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: John Anderson jonmar@cableone.net I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed being around Donna. She was so gracious and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sincerely, John Anderson Jo Ann Peterson Watson gmaoften@yahoo.com Our family sends our condolences to you all. Dr. Flint Packer was my parents' doctor and friend. Our family really understands your sorrow on the losing of your mother. She is at peace now and loves you all. Keep the faith and hang in there. Our thoughts are with you. The Peterson, Watson Family Cathie Wood Lanham camala3@aol.com I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Donna. I know that her family will miss her very much. Much love to you all. Neil and Lana Kunz grannyk@fretel.com Dear Ossian and Family, Our hearts go out to you in the passing of sweet Donna. She was ever the lady and handled her pain and suffering with such dignity. Of course, she was able to do that because of your kindness to her as a companion and good family. I think of all the Saturdays I would see the entire family doing jobs that I would have had to promise the sun and moon and stars to get done . . . you would all shoulder the work and then find time to have a little fun time. My children have only fond memories of being guests in your home and the wonderful feeling there. Isn't that just what Donna would like to be known for? We loved her and loved each of your family . . . isn't it too bad that life often gets in the way of loving and we see one another so seldom. Our thoughts are with you at this precious time of rembering and we pray for your health and well being. May our loving Heavenly Father bless each of you until you are reunited as our favorite "Dairyland Family." God Bless You, Neil and Lana and Family Jeanette Nelson jnelson@thepei.com I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother! Losing someone we love so much has to be one of the hardest parts of life! She sounds like an amazing lady, which totally explains why Lee is such a wonderful person too! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Jeanette