Janet Groesbeck Packard

Janet Louise Groesbeck Packard 

1936-2025

Janet Louise Groesbeck Packard, a lifelong resident of Springville, Utah, a town she loved so dearly, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the age of 88, after a valiant fight with cancer. She was the youngest of three children born to W. Berton and Minnie Finley Groesbeck on September 13, 1936.

Janet attended the old Lincoln Elementary, Springville Junior High, and graduated as a proud Red Devil from Springville High School in 1954. She always cherished her school days and enthusiastically attended her class reunions, organizing many of these and recently celebrating her 70th reunion last July. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University for a year before joining her father to work as a secretary at Reilly Tar and Chemical Corporation. She later moved to Salt Lake City with friends, attending Henager’s Business School and gaining valuable work experience.

While living in Salt Lake, she was offered a job at the corporate office of Norbest Turkey Growers by a fellow Springville native, Owen Sumsion. Also while living in Salt Lake, she met Milan Packard—her future husband—who was not only a local Springville man but also her neighbor. On returning to Springville to plan their wedding, Janet often shared the valuable lesson she learned during this time: “Never quit a job until you have another one.” 

She married Milan Alton Packard in Springville on October 4, 1957. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four children, whom she loved dearly. They are the proud parents to Craig (Linda) Packard, Clay (Heather) Packard, Cheryl (Jeff) Kroneberger, and Camille (Todd) Brown. They have 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with one on the way. 

Janet had a strong work ethic, working 34 years for a local accounting firm, Glade Binks Accounting, continuing with Kirk Holt after taking over his business. She was known for her dedication and professionalism, forming deep friendships throughout her career and community involvement. She retired at the age of 75. 

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially caring for her yard, which she kept meticulously. After a knee replacement in March of 2024, she finally ceded to “allowing” her children’s help. She loved staying active, and her children often referred to her as the "Energizer Bunny." She was involved in golfing, bowling, and water aerobics, making cherished friendships along the way. She was a charter member of the Hobble Creek Ladies golf association since its induction. She attended many club and social events monthly for more than 50 years. The friendships she gained were many. 

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Janet’s faith and values guided her throughout her life. She loved her calling of more than 38 years of sending birthday cards to the Relief Society sisters, the majority of the time hand-delivering each card to ensure they received their card on their birthday. 

She was a loving and supportive mother, always putting her children and grandchildren first. She loved attending all of her family’s activities— athletic events, dance recitals, etc. She was also an avid fan of the local sports teams, and enjoyed watching the Utah Jazz, the Utah Utes, and BYU games— whether being football or basketball and golf tournaments. 

Janet leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family and friends. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Especially by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whom they referred to as their GG. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Milan, in 2016, her parents, Alton W. and Merle Blackett Packard, her brother, Russell Finley Groesbeck, her sister, Dorothy Groesbeck Garrett, and her granddaughter, Chelsea Dee Packard. 

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. At the LDS Chapel at 860 East 200 North in Springville. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 17, at Wheeler Mortuary at 211 East 200 South in Springville and also on Tuesday from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral services. Interment will be held at the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.