Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Debra Lynne Packer, 67, of Goldendale, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Debra was born on Dec. 19, 1958, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Jan and Bill Rishling. As the daughter of a military father, Debra moved frequently throughout her childhood, living in Japan and California before her family eventually settled at Hauser Lake, Idaho, where she grew up.
During her high school years, she babysat for many families in the Hauser Lake community, a reflection of her nurturing spirit from an early age. Debra graduated as a Legal Secretary from Lewis and Clark Community College in 1979 and went on to work briefly as a legal secretary. She married her first husband, Jesse Bly Jr., who tragically passed away just two years into their marriage. Though their time together was brief, Debra remained close to his family, maintaining a loving and lasting relationship with them throughout her life.
Debra later married her second husband, Michael Packer, and together they shared three wonderful children. As a devoted and attentive mother, Debra poured her heart into raising her family. She was deeply involved in her children’s lives — attending school events, supporting fundraisers, volunteering her time, and serving as a dedicated member of the PTA. Her home was always open, and she was lovingly known as the “Mom” of the neighborhood, caring for every child who crossed her doorstep as if they were her own.
She is survived by her siblings, Denise Baysinger and Dana Rishling; her three children, Jeremy Packer (Kristi), Jessica Packer (Ben), and Joshua Packer; and her beloved grandchildren, Riley Mead (13), Avery Packer (11), Lily Mead (8), Kaleb Packer (5), and Skyler Packer (3). She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom she loved very much.
Debra’s kindness, devotion to family, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Columbia Gorge News, March 4, 2026
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