Shirley D. Packard
May 1, 1937 – August 31, 2026
A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Humane Society, in c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Shirley Dee Packard age 89 of Kalamazoo passed away Monday morning, August 31, 2026. Shirley was born in Tate County MS, on May 1, 1937, the daughter of Alton and Hattie Christine (Yount) Manning. On July 3, 1957, she married Kenneth Leroy Packard who preceded her in death on September 16, 2022. In her younger days she played guitar in a country/western band. Shirley was an avid gardener. She loved nature and enjoyed feeding the birds. A person of faith, she was active in her church, Bethlehem Baptist Church. Shirley lived a life which was dedicated to raising her children. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley is survived by her children, Wanda Packard, Connie (Karen Wehba) Packard and Linda (Mark) Waldron; grandchildren, Ashley Waldron, Ethan Waldron and Brandi Allgaier; great grandchildren, Addison Hasten, Lilly Rybka, Dalton Rybka; sisters, Phyllis Crothers, Dovia Huyge, Judith Manning; several nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Besides her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Peggy Kleinpeter; brother, Doug Manning.
Shirley and Ken were our neighbors on kilgore. We went to dinner with them a few times and had dinner at each other’s house my favorite neighbors. We will miss you shirley
The Portage Central Class of 1976 sends our condolences to our classmate and her family on the loss of their loved one.
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I still remember her singing and playing The guitar, her petite and curvy Figure, her southern accent, that bouffant hair and I think her favorite pet was Poo? She was always very kind to me. My love and prayers are with you all