Obituary: Marilyn Packer Jonak

Marilyn Packer Jonak, passed away November 8, 2020, at her home in Woodville, Idaho, surrounded by her family. As the last surviving member of the Packer family, her death closes a generation. 

Marilyn was born April 7, 1935, in Preston, Idaho. She was the youngest of 7 children born to Eaustus Mecham and Ora Workman Packer. She was born on conference weekend, and her mother would not go to the hospital until after conference was over. Mom was the only child born in a hospital. 

She married Nathan Marler in1957. To that union was born Alice Jillynn and Natalie Ora. They divorced on Marilyn’s birthday in 1965. 

She married  Virgil Jonak in Hailey, Idaho, in May of 1966.  Jacqueline was born and in 1967, they moved to Woodville, Idaho, where Suzette completed their family and where they remained the rest of her life. 

Marilyn had countless talents. She made blue-ribbon pies, crocheted afghans for friends and family, and taught many to crochet and knit. She could look at any item and figure out the pattern. She is well remember for her beautiful singing voice. At 17, she participated in the Whirly Cup Singing Competition. After performing, she was approached by the judge, Richard P. Condie, and told she had just auditioned for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and had a seat waiting for her anytime she wanted to move to Salt Lake and join. She declined, adding, “They are all old folks.†

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 54 years, Virgil Jonak; four daughters, Jillynn (Jene Prudent), Natalie (Jerry Wheeler), Jacqueline (Eric Wittwer), Suzette (Jim Garrison); brother-in-law Delbert (Renea) Jonak; and sister-in-law Adeline (Reginald) Jonak. She treasured her 30 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren with more on the way. Marilyn and Virgil also took in many strays (cousins, foster children, and total strangers). 
Marilyn worked for the RT French company, Machine Tab, and EG &G as a computer key punch operator. She also worked in the office of Cannon Dairy in Shelley. 
Marilyn was an avid reader and always carried a book with her, even until the day she passed away. She kept detailed records of the books she read and had a tablet filled with titles and authors and the year she read the book. She never wanted to read a book twice.  
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Estus Packer Jr., Delma Bosworth, Marve Packer, Nathan Packer, Joyce LuDean Lesniak, Janice Packer; her brothers -in-law, Emmanuel Jonak, Reginald Jonak; and sister-in-law Luana Solarno. 

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Marilyn, she requested donations be made to the Friends of the North Bingham County District Library, Shelley Supporters of the Arts, the Friends of Paplin,  or a charity of your choice. 

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Woodville Ward Building. Interment was in the Riverdale Cemetery in Preston. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley.