Vera Packer

Vera E. Packer, 102, of New Dawn Retirement Community in Dover, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 18, 2017.
A daughter of the late Zella (Green) and Ray Walter, Vera was born January 22, 1915 in Canton, Ohio. After attending business college in Kentucky for two years, she married A. Cyril Packer on May 30, 1936.

Together, they owned A. E. Packer Heating and Cooling, Inc. with Vera as their bookkeeper. She was a member of the Golden Circle Bible Study group, and the owner of a Christian bookstore called the Book House in New Philadelphia. Vera was a current member of Community Baptist Church in Dover. Previously she was active with the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia, where she taught Sunday school and participated in missionary events. She was active with the PTA, and volunteered for both the Cancer Fund and the Canteen at the Dennison Railroad Depot. She enjoyed cooking, reading, knitting, crocheting, oil painting and playing the organ. But she will be remembered for her time spent playing games with those she loved. And, sharing her love of the Bible.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Kennard) Beitzel of New Philadelphia; her son, Alan Packer of Lowell, MA; her grandchildren, Raye Lynne (Steve) Gerber, James Brock, Dawn (David) Grenier, and Natalie Beitzel Mann; in addition, she has 10 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her grandson Brett Beitzel, great-grandson Jesse James Brock, along with her parents and siblings.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 21, 2017 from 6 to 8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia and again one hour prior to the service on Thursday. A service celebrating Vera’s life will be held Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel with Pastor Andy McClung officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Everyone is invited to join the family for a meal following the committal service in the Geib Family Center.

Memorial contributions may be directed towards Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.