Dear Katie
by Captain Pirate on Sep.24, 2008, under Written Thoughts
Dear friend,
Though we weren’t real close lately, I still cared. I enjoyed your honesty, your passion, your sweet tender care for your children. The way your friends lovingly spoke about you when your name was ever mentioned.
I am so honored and blessed to have known you. You loved many of the same people that I love.
You went through many of the same battles that I went through.
We grew up together, even as imperfect, goofy teenage kids smoking pot in front of Circle C and playing pinball. Fun times kiddo!
I remember when you and Annie K drove around with me off and on all summer when I had my little sports car.
Damn you are one cool chick. I am going to be deeply saddened ’till the end of my days knowing that you are missing from this world that needs more of your courage and honesty and care.
Why do so many have to go this way?!
Your children, friends and family have a Katie sized void in our hearts. Damnit!
Say hello to my brother for me if you meet up. Thanks for coming to his funeral. Thanks for being there when I needed you most sweety!
Sincerely your friend for always,
With love and pain,
Ryan
Since the obituary won’t remain online forever, I am posting it here.
Kathryn Jane Packard
Kathryn Jane Packard
Our beautiful Katie Jane passed away on September 20, 2008. She succumbed in her battle against addiction. Katie was 31 years old. It was very important to her that we acknowledge her drug addiction so that others might read of it and know the dreadful consequences that follow addictions.
Katie was born on January 18, 1977 into the loving arms of her family, who had awaited her arrival for years with hope and anticipation. She was a talented little girl, putting on shows for family gatherings and belting out her favorite songs to the amusement and delight of her audience. Her signature song was from Annie, Tomorrow. As a child, Katie loved musicals and would play the soundtracks over and over again, particularly South Pacific and, of course, Annie. Katie married Yancy Childs in 1996. They were later divorced. He is the father of her children.
Katie had a very noble, sensitive soul. She was kind and accepting of others. Motherhood was what she considered her greatest achievement. She was until very recently employed at a private facility. She loved the girls at the facility and found joy working there.
Katie was the mother of Madilyn and Noah Childs, who survive her. She tried very hard to lead a happy productive life. However, the evil shadow of addiction loomed heavily upon her. This mortal existence was a very hard experience for Katie, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now free from the torment of addiction. She leaves a void in the lives of her family, who misses her terribly. She left so soon. Our faith in our Heavenly Father and Savior is strong. We do not doubt that she was met by her many friends and family who adore her and that she is in their care even now.
She is survived by her children, Madilyn Childs, 12, and Noah Childs, 9; her parents Brent and Janet Packard of Springville, Utah; her grandfather, Layton B. Jones (Bernice) of Gig Harbor, WA; her sister, Christine Wilkey (Kim) of Herriman, Utah; her brother, John B. Packard (Antonella) of Saratoga Springs, Utah; her nieces Alexandra Wilkey, Abigail Wilkey, and Hannah Wilkey. She is preceded in death by her grandparents F. C. and Lela Packard of Springville, Utah and her grandmother Aurora Jones of Holliday, Utah.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 25, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the LDS Chapel at 55 North Main in Springville. There will be a viewing held Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S. in Springville. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery.
Her family requests that instead of flowers a contribution be made to a fund for her children, Madilyn and Noah Childs, at Central Bank.
Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com
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September 24th, 2008 on 3:56 pm
(what I left on the obituary)
It seems unfair that I have to say these things to Katie after she has moved on. It’s my fault for not saying them earlier though.
I grew up with Katie. I went to middle/jr/high school with her.
What a sweet, gentle soul.
I enjoyed being around her, and miss her smile.
I am impressed that her family didn’t conceal the details of what happened.
My brother Justin died at 16 of similar circumstances, and my families #1 goal was to keep what happened a secret.
Katie’s life and passing was not wasted! More people will learn of the dangers of these hard drugs because of her will and her family’s courage!
Utah statistically has a major problem with pre-mature deaths such as these.
If Utah wasn’t so concern collectively about appearances, and if we could openly talk about these issues.. Utah would benefit greatly!
Katie’s legacy is her wonderful children. I loved feeding horses with Maddy, and she reminds me so much of Katie.
What a wonderful legacy to leave behind.
Take care dear friend! Thank you for leaving a us message that was dear to your heart! ”
You came to my brothers funeral with me. I am sadden to know that I won’t be able to make it to yours dear friend. But we will meet again!
John 11:21-23