Zelda Gertrude Bartlett Packer

Zelda Gertrude Bartlett Packer, 97, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2006 at the home of her daughter, Betty James Anderson in Tremonton, Utah. She was born March 22, 1909, in Lindon, Utah, to Sylvanus and Teresa Bartlett. At age three the family moved to Burley, Idaho. She attended elementary school in Oakley, Idaho. As a young girl, her mother taught her to cook. She also worked in the fields with her two brothers Hobart and Herbert. They had a wonderful garden and orchard and did truck farming. During the winter evenings she played games with her family. That tradition has been carried on down to great grandchildren playing her favorite game of Rook, with her rules.
Zelda graduated from Burley High School and Utah State Agricultural College. While at Utah State she was in charge of banquets and dinners for visiting honored guests making sure table settings, menus and serving was accomplished with polite dignity, graciousness and perfection. She met her sweetheart, Elmo Packer, while she was taking classes towards a masters degree. They were married Aug. 7, 1934, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Their marriage was one of joy and happiness. Elmo died three days following their 68th wedding anniversary. Zelda is celebrating now in a grand reunion with her sweetheart, Elmo, and many loved ones. LDS church service contributed to some of Zelda?s happiest memories. At age 15 she became a Primary teacher. Other positions she has held include: Gleaner leader, YW President, Ward RS Counselor, Relief Society Homemaking Leader, East Cache Stake RS over homemaking, Genealogy committee and served as a Stake Missionary with her husband.
Her talents included reading, beautiful handwork of embroidery, netting, and crocheting. Cooking was her greatest achievement. She often prepared and catered dinners to as many as 450 people. Her hot rolls and special cookies were the best.
Zelda is survived by her three children and their spouses, Luana and Derwin Merrill , Mongolia, Ulaanbaayar Mission, Lyle and Julie Packer, Lindon, Utah, and Betty and James Anderson, Tremonton, Utah. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Elmo Packer and baby son, Richard Elmo Packer.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 11, 2006, at 1 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 E. 400 North, with Bishop Michael Bowcutt conducting. Friends may call Saturday at Nelson Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Logan City Cemetery.
The family expresses sincere appreciation to Legacy Health Care, Williamsburg Retirement Community Center, and Dr. Douglas Hyldahl.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .