Completed her earthly life at age 89 in Ogden, Utah of causes incident to age. Born in Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. The eldest of seven children of Archibald and Louiette Stephens McKinlay. Grew up in Newdale and Rexburg. Valedictorian of her junior high class. Excellent student in high school. Attended Ricks College. Was the Ricks sports correspondent for the Salt Lake Tribune. Married Clyde Dean Packer in 1938 in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS temple. Lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, Denver, Colorado, Greensboro, North Caroline and Seattle, Washington while Dean obtained his education and served in the military. Husband opened a medical practice in Idaho Falls, Idaho in 1949. Joined his brother, Merrill, in established the Blackfoot (Idaho) Medical Clinic in 1950. The family moved to Utah in 1977. Lived in Salt Lake City, Provo, Utah and Ogden.

Established a home of peace and love dedicated to her husband and six children. Active in all auxiliaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Served on the General Church Writing Committee assisting in writing Primary, Sunday School and Relief Society lessons. With Dean, served missions in England, Spain, at Temple Square in Salt Lake City and directing Church Service Missionaries.

Survived by children Michaelene (Leonard) Grassli, Deanne (Paul) Kelly, Allan (Jane) Packer, Richard (Sharlene) Packer, Kelly (Karen) Packer, Norris (Jo) Packer; twenty eight grandchildren; fifty great grandchildren; anticipating her first two great, great grandchildren in December; sisters Bunnie (Afton) Vanderlinden and MarJean (Andy) Holm; brother Bill (Lois) McKinlay; sisters-in-law Lola Hillam Packer, Dora Lee Packer (Rex) Walz, and LaVee McKinlay, and brother-in-law Merrill Packer.

Services held in Pleasant View, Utah (north of Ogden) on Monday, October 1, 2007.