Debra Martie Packard departed this life on January 10, 2026.
Debra was born to Kenneth and Peggy Martie on July 13, 1952. She grew up in Sterling and was a graduate of Norwayne High School, the University of Akron, and The Ohio State University. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Jerry, for over 52 years. Soon after their marriage the couple adopted their first puppy. Much loved dogs have been part of their family ever since. While attending OSU for a master’s degree in speech and language pathology and for law school, respectively, they began attending Ohio State football games. Devoted Buckeye fans, they loved cheering their team in The Horseshoe, and for many years they attended every home game together.
The Packards moved to Wooster, where they raised their two daughters. Debra spent the bulk of her career as a speech and language pathologist for Wooster City Schools, working primarily with elementary students until her retirement. She loved teaching children and celebrating their accomplishments.
Debra was a skillful gardener, and she loved spending time outdoors. A lifelong reader, Debra kept a journal of all the books she read, and she was a faithful member of two separate book clubs. She read to daughters constantly as children and read with her granddaughter whenever she could.
Debra deeply treasured her close friendships, and loved spending time with friends at book club, PEO club meetings, Bible study, and weekly Wednesday meetups. She volunteered weekly at the Trinity United Church of Christ breakfast program until her illness, and she continued to volunteer whenever possible. Debra was tenacious in her compassion for others, even in the midst of her own pain. She was incredibly brave.
Debra is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, daughters Leanna and Bethany, granddaughter Samarah, mother Peggy Martie, sister JoEllen Schaad, nieces and nephews, and a loving extended family, as well as by her community of friends. Her father, Kenneth Martie, and brother, Gary Martie, predeceased her.
Calling hours will be held at 2pm on Friday, January 16, 2026 immediately followed by a memorial service at 3pm at Trinity United Church of Christ, 150 E. North St., Wooster.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity UCC Breakfast Program, 150 E. North St., Wooster, OH 44691 and to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
The family’s deepest thanks to the Hospice LifeCare staff of Wooster for the care and kindness shown to Debra in her final days. You are truly angels on earth.
Debra was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Words cannot express how much she is missed.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com
To the entire Packard family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your wife, mom and grandma. I always appreciated Deb’s help with one of my boys who had a speech therapy with her at Parkview. What a kind soul and wonderful woman.
My deepest and sincere sympathy to you, Jerry, your daughters, and your entire family. Debra was the speech pathologist in my building when I was a principal. She was such an outstanding therapist with sincere and genuine interest in each and every student she serviced. She had great devotion to her profession and every time that we talked that was quite evident. Even though I have not seen either of you for some time, please know that she will be missed by the many students/people whose lives she has touched.
She will be deeply missed R I P aunt Debbie. love u miss u
Jerry, Leanna and Bethany,
We were very sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and mother. May you find peace in this difficult time and in the days ahead. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Sondra and Matt Woods
We are so sorry for your loss of Mama Deb. She loved and was loved by so many. May she rest in the arms of our Lord.
Nathan, Bob and Sharon
What a wonderful tribute! I send my heartfelt condolences to the Packard family, who walked with Debra through the difficult journey of her illness and who I know are sorely missing her now. What a blessing her life was!
So sorry for your loss, Jerry and family. I never realized your wife was one of the wonderful women serving the breakfast at Trinity. I used to teach a monthly workshop up in the parlor there for about 10 years. She was one of our wonderful “Food Fairies” who would put a tray of food together for my often undernourished students. Always kind and smiling.
Jerry
What a shock when I saw Debra’s name on my cell phone. We are so sorry for your loss. She seemed so friendly and always put together so nicely. May she Rest in Peace. Our thoughts and prayers go with you these difficult days.