Catherine Packer

Catherine Ann (Barnes) Packer, passed away in her home October 7, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. "Ann" was born in Wooster, Ohio, May 24, 1943, to Robert and Margaret (Koerner) Barnes. She was the third of seven Barnes children, a close-knit family of farmers and teachers who settled in the Williamsport area of Pickaway County in 1951. Ann grew up farming with her family and caring for her siblings, which built her foundation as a caregiver and resourceful and crafty homemaker. Ann graduated from Otterbein College in 1965 and followed in her elder sister Virginia's footsteps to NM, where she taught Physical Education at Wingate High School on the Navajo reservation. It was during that time that Ann met the love of her life, Walter Packer, who was the best friend of Virginia's husband. Walter was a naval officer stationed in San Diego, and, following a long-distance courtship during his enlistment, the couple returned to Ohio and were married on August 12, 1967. Ann supported her husband while he earned his master's at OSU by teaching PE and health education in Gahanna before the Packers set up housekeeping in Mt. Vernon in 1969. There they raised three children, Sharon (Chris) Vanella, David (Lisa Walsh), and Michelle (Steve) Burdine. A natural care-giver, Ann began an in-home daycare/preschool in 1974, caring for and teaching children for the next 20 years. Upon retirement, Ann continued to share her giving spirit through volunteer work with Gay Street United Methodist Church and The Salvation Army in Mt. Vernon, and Hospice of Knox County. Ann also cared for loved ones in her family and was in her glory when caring for her four grandchildren in Charlotte, NC (Adah and Julia Vanella) and in Williamsport, OH (Marianna and Gavin Packer). Ann and Walt returned "home" to Pickaway County in 2011 and enjoyed volunteer work in this area with the Williamsport United Methodist Church. Ann was well-known for her delicious confections: raspberry jam, toll-house cookies, caramel popcorn, and apple pies to name a few. She loved to host parties and family events, including some memorable "Barn Dances" at her home, family reunions, neighborhood Euchre parties, and a special Going Away Celebration in honor of her husband this past June. Ann joins her husband Walt in Heaven, along with her parents, parents-in-law Dr. R.H. and Virginia (Pill) Packer, sister Virginia (Barnes) Lehman, brother-in-law Gary McGranahan, special aunts Mary Bigham, Mary Smith, and Dorothy Barnes, along with beloved cousins and family members. Here on earth to cherish her memory, in addition to her children and grandchildren, Ann leaves siblings, Tom (Karla) Barnes, Ruth (Nathan) Wilson, Sarah Barnes, Paul (Susan)Barnes, and Bob (Jan) Barnes; brother-in-law, Wilson Lehman; sisters-in-law, Judy McGranahan and Joy (Larry) McPherson; and many loving nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and nephews, cousins and very special life-long friends. Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at Pleasant Cemetery in Mt. Sterling, OH on Friday, October 12, at 11 AM and a celebration of life reception at Crown Hill Golf Course in Williamsport, OH, immediately following. Rebecca Bisenius will deliver the eulogy. The family has been served by the Porter-Tidd Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, 116 Morris Rd., Circleville, OH 43113, or Williamsport United Methodist Church, POB 179, Williamsport, OH 43164.