Lera Packer Thomson

Lera Packer Thomson, age 94, of Rexburg, Idaho, died at her home Thursday, September 28, 2006. Lera was born November 13, 1911, at Franklin, Idaho, the daughter of James Manuel Packer and Lonetta Johnson Packer. Lera grew up and attended schools in Franklin, Idaho, and graduated from Franklin High School. She earned a bachelors degree from Ricks College and a masters degree in education from Utah State University. She taught at Riverdale Elementary in Riverdale, Idaho, and elementary school in Rigby, Idaho, and at Lincoln Elementary School in Rexburg, Idaho until her retirement in1977. Lera married Lester Swainston Thomson July 26, 1933, in the Logan, Utah, L.D.S. Temple, and was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughtout her life Lera enjoyed crocheting, music, and making afghans. She taught accordion and guitar lessons. She was a member of the Civic Club, Literary Club, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and Delta Kappa Gamma, was honored by Ricks College with the Distinguished Alumna Award, and was Idaho Mother of the year. Survivors include four daughters: Carol (Russell) Withers of Rexburg, Idaho, Loa (Paul) Jenkins of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Joan Thomson of Rexburg, Idaho, and Ruana (Clair) Ransom of West Valley, New York. She is survived by four sons: Dean Lester (Mary Ruth) Thomson of Citrus Heights, California, Lynn Packer (Mary Lou) Thomson of Rexburg, Idaho, Dale Packer (Tana) Thomson of Rexburg, Idaho, and Reed Packer (Rebecca) Thomson of Spanish Fork, Utah, Survived by one sister, Luana Halversen of North Ogden, Utah. She has by 38 grandchildren, 90 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one sister and four brothers. Funeral services will be held Monday, October 2, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in the Rexburg North Stake Center, with Bishop Bruce Baxter officiating. The family will receive friends Sunday evening 6:00 p.m – 7:30 p.m. at the North Stake Center, 314 E. 2nd. North, Rexburg, Idaho 83440, and Monday 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. at the stake center. Burial will be in the Rexburg Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. The family expresses appreciation to Hospice of Eastern Idaho.