Frances Irene Packett, 94, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away, Saturday, January, 5, 2019, surrounded by loving family and friends. Frances was born in Wewoka, Oklahoma to General Marion and Catherine Brown and subsequently moved to Bern, Kansas where she met Virgil Packett from Pawnee City, Nebraska. Frances and Virgil were wed February 20, 1941 and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where they raised three children in Havelock.
Frances grew up during the Depression and moved with her family across the southern United States where her father was recognized as putting up the first bale of cotton in San Angelo, Texas. The family’s quest for a better life lead them to Arteisia, New Mexico where she lost her father. Her extended family put their arms around her and her mother and brought them to Missouri. Aunt Maude and Uncle Jack Mitchell provided a comfortable home life and instilled those solid and wholesome mid-west values. As Frances grew to womanhood her mother relocated to Bern, Kansas and a more stable farm life. Frances enjoyed school and music where she performed in various musical vocal groups. She met Virgil, who was playing the guitar with his father who played the fiddle at a barn dance in Dubois, Nebraska. Their relationship grew and they married in Seneca, Kansas.
In a quest for a better life, they moved north to Lincoln, where Virgil began a job working for the Chicago Burlington and Quincy Railroad. Early in the marriage Frances gave birth to Catherine before Virgil was called to serve in the China-Burma Theater during World War II. Frances endured the long separation during the war where her family circle instilled a remarkable resilience that carried her and only strengthened their relationship. Virgil continued with the CB&Q and their family grew with Cheryl and brother Virgil. Frances created a home full of love, joy and fun. She always greeted friends and family with a hug and made everyone feel part of the family. Her cooking skills were renowned and unmatched as her noodles, pies, cookies and cakes put Havelock on the map.
As the children graduated from Northeast High School and moved on, Mother focused on her other love, children. She directed her energy to nurture children as a child developmental specialist with the Jack & Jill Day Care Center on North Cotner Boulevard. She embraced each child with her value set of love and dignity for over 18 years. One of mother’s legacy is best characterized in her words, as the sense of joy that comes over you when a child hugs you and says how much they love their teacher. Mother was the consummate hugger!
Frances and Virgil expanded their circle of friends when they joined the Rolling Huskers camping group made up of Burlington Northern retirees. They were country music lovers, for sure and traveled to country music festivals where the fresh country air was filled with music. Mother remained active with the church and social groups throughout her life where she always welcomed everyone into her home. Mother never knew a short good bye, and her strength of character and vibrant spirit remained valiant to the end.
Frances will always be remembered as a kind gentle lady who addressed everyone with a warm embrace and glowing smile. One of her life’s gifts and joy was her time as a child care provider with the Jack & Jill Day Care for 18 years. Frances’ example to accept and love everyone equally is her hallmark. She was a faithful member of the Havelock United Methodist Church (62 years), the Martha Washington Chapter 153, Order of the Eastern Star for 75 years earning the nobel title of Worthy Matron. She served as a Chapter Marshall in 1945 and in 1958 served as the star point Adah, which is a blue point known as the daughter; and Rebekahs of which she held various offices and positions of leadership.
Frances is survived by Catherine Rolofson (James – deceased) of San Antonio, Texas; Cheryl Dahl (Larry), Lincoln, Nebraska; and Virgil L. Packett II (Ululani), Las Vegas, Nevada. Grandchildren Curt Rolofson, San Antonio, Texas; Amy Chapman (Dave), Lincoln, Nebraska; Toby Dahl (Sabrina), Lincoln, Nebraska; Kila Packett and Miki Packett, both of Los Angeles, California. Great-Grandchildren: Jacob, Katie, Joshua, Trevor, Kai, Keegan, and Kane. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Gladys Brown, brothers Pat Brown and John Picaman, many very close nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved husband Virgil L. Packett (1993).
Viewing will be Tuesday, January 8 and family can be greeted 5-7 pm; funeral services will be 11am, Wednesday, 9 January, 2019 provided by Roper & Sons Funeral Home South Lincoln Chapel, 3950 Hohensee Drive, Lincoln, NE 68516. Internment will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 9, Fairview Cemetery after the funeral lunch.
Consideration for donations/gifts in her honor to Havelock United Methodist Church; Scholarship Fund Martha Washington Chapter 153, the
Order of Eastern Star, 4501 Eagle Ridge Road, Lincoln, NE 68516; and Asera Care/Hospice.
May her loving memory be eternal.