Linda Lou Sherman Packer—a loving and devoted wife and mother of three, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of two—passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family June 23, 2026, in Mansfield, OH. She was 84.
The daughter of Fostor and Blanche Hair Sherman, Linda was born in Morrow County, OH, on July 29, 1941. As a youth, she enjoyed Bible school and revivals, was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, showed registered Corriedale sheep, and served as the National Corriedale Queen.
After graduating from Chester Franklin High School in 1959, Linda married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Larry Gene Packer on September 12, 1959, at Pulaskiville Community Bible Church. Shortly after their marriage, Linda embarked on her lifelong journey as a wife and mother who shared her husband’s commitment to family, friends, and community. When they were young, Linda’s three sons—Larry Jr., Keith, and Craig—were at the center of her world. Yet, she still found time for her own Mom and Daddy; cherished her siblings, in-laws, and their families; and stepped in to help her community in times of need. She was a woman of faith, a hard worker, a good neighbor, and a loyal friend. Linda was a good woman.
Linda was a natural caregiver. She did her best to ensure the highest quality of care possible for her mother-in-law, C. Mildred Edgel Packer. When her husband battled Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, Linda was not only his caregiver but also his compass and his rock. When she faced the devastating loss of her eldest son, Larry, Jr., Linda overcame the heartache with the strength and resilience only a mother can comprehend.
Many things in Linda’s life brought her immense joy. She and Larry enjoyed traveling together in their motorhome. Linda found tremendous satisfaction in organizing her high school class reunions, participating in alumni banquets, and playing a good game of cards (especially when she was winning). Perhaps nothing pleased Linda more than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Linda is survived by two sons—Keith (Jeff Maready) of San Francisco, CA, and Craig (Samuel Rivera) of Dry Run, PA. Linda is also survived by her grandson, Kaleb; her granddaughter, Kerry Rickel; and two great-grandchildren, Bruce (Rickel) and Rose (Rickel) of Mansfield, OH.
Linda is also survived by three siblings—Dean (Deloris) Sherman of Fredericktown, OH; Lela Looker of Fredericktown, OH; and Letha George of Sparta, OH; five brothers- and sisters-in law—Karen Sherman of Mt. Gilead, OH; Ronald Kunze of Tampa, FL; Norman Abraham of Greeneville, TN; Sue Packer of Radnor, OH; and Maxine Packer of Mt. Gilead, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband and son, Linda’s brothers, Dewey Sherman and Donald Sherman, and six brothers- and sisters-in-law—James Looker, Al George, Betty Kunze, Ruth Abraham, Richard Packer, and David Packer—preceded her in death.
Linda’s family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 5 to 7 pm at Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel at 67 North Main Street, Mt. Gilead, OH. The graveside service will be held at 11 am, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville, OH. Pastor Martin Spearman will officiate.
For contributions in Linda’s memory, the family urges loved ones to support the American Cancer Society or the research, service delivery, or caregiver support organization of their choice.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Linda’s family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Mount Gilead Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com