Frances Elizabeth Packett

Frances Elizabeth Sanders Packett, 86, of Montross passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 12, 2025, after a brief illness. Frances was born at home in Westmoreland County in 1939 to the late Melvin Francis Sanders and the late Florence Elizabeth Washington Sanders. She was the widow of William Randolph Packett, Jr. who preceded her in death in 1983. Frances was the owner of the family business, TM&W Laundromats, Inc. She proudly served for many years on the Women's Auxiliary of the Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Department.
Possessed with a remarkable work ethic, Frances and William took over the family laundry business from his parents. When William passed Frances made sure that their laundromats continued to flourish. Her dedication to the family business saw it grow and thrive for over sixty years. Frances insisted that work was fun, and her boundless energy and enthusiasm for the business never wavered. Both Frances and William also believed in service to their community, and they were proud of their service with the Fire Department. Frances began working with the Westmoreland Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary in 1963 as a charter member; and was both a life member and an honorary member until her passing. She served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary from 1976 to 1977, and from 1988 to 1990. In her free time Frances enjoyed gardening and canning. She was an avid softball player as a young woman and remained athletic and active throughout her life. Frances loved helping people and although she didn't talk much about it, she did many quiet good deeds.
Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her beloved children: Barbara A. Packett, Diana Packett Kelly (Danny), and William R. Packett, III (Mary); her grandchildren: Trey Hamlet (Liza), Samantha Hart, Rachel Hart, and Hunter Kelly (Jenn); her great-grandchildren: Keara, Kylie, Evan, Harper, Addison, Rocky and Tatum; her brother Geary Sanders; her sister Joyce Hawpe; brothers-in-law Rob Packett and Steve Packett (Felicia); her nieces and nephews: Michelle, Melissa, Heather, Taylor, Theresa, Chris (Jenny), Stephanie, Christian, Bridget (Shawn), Mike (Katie), Matthew (Ronica), Bailee, Kyle, Vera, Hannah, Charlie, Madysyn, Rylee, Jenny, Brooke and Brianna; her dearest friend of forty years, Chris Barrack; and many cousins, friends, employees and customers.
Frances's family would also like to extend a special thanks to her dedicated caregivers: Caren Awad, Crystal Crawley, Jane Pedraza, and Janice Turner; to the team at Riverside Hospice; and to Dr. Andrew Walker.
Frances was predeceased by her parents, Melvin and Florence; her husband, William; her sister, Betty Annadale; her nephew Paul; and her infant brother Melvin.
A funeral service to honor Frances will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Welch Funeral Home Montross Chapel and the family will welcome friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Following the funeral Frances will be laid to rest beside her husband in the Rappahannock Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be: Hunter Kelly, Trey Hamlet, Geary Sanders, Nick Barrack, Matthew Packett, and Rob Packett. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 222, Montross, VA 22520 in loving memory of Frances's service to her community.