Jerilyn Packer

Jerilyn “Jeri” (Grove) Packer passed away on Monday, January 21, 2019 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center with her loving family by her side. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 25, 2019, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home at 10:30. A public visitation will be held on Thursday January 24, also at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with the family to receive guests from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. For condolences please feel free to visit www.Mitchellfh.com or call (641)-844-1234.  Jeri was born on October 15, 1942 to the parents of Kenneth and Caroline (Graham) Grove, in Marshalltown, Iowa. She was raised in rural Albion and was a graduate of Albion High School, class of 1960. During her time in high school, Jeri was a fantastic softball player, basketball player, and a talented gymnast. She was skilled enough to twirl a baton and ride her horse, Rusty, at the same time. She was also a member of 4-H.  On September 24, 1961 Jeri married the love of her life, Elwood Packer. The two made their lives together and raised two sons, Ken and Greg. She was a farmer’s wife, who always tended to many different tasks, but she always made time to garden. Jeri was meticulous when it came to her gardens. She loved to make sure that every flower was in place, and that each garden was colorful. The love of gardening did not take away from her love of her family and her friends. If you came to visit, you could find her in her kitchen, making certain that you would be well fed with delicious home cooked food. With her kind spirit and caring nature, she always had time for anyone in need. She touched many lives and those who had the opportunity to know her will forever have a shining memory of Jeri. Left to cherish Jeri’s memory is her husband of 57 years, Elwood, her children Ken (Ann) Packer, and Greg (Laurie) Packer. Also her grandchildren Nate Packer, Alec (Annie) Packer, Eric Packer, and Kyle Packer.  In death she rejoins her parents Kenneth and Caroline and her brother in infancy.