Ruby Elaine Packer

Ruby Elaine Henson Behrman Packer

Ruby Elaine Packer—wife, mother, sister, and friend—passed away peacefully in her home in Roy, Utah on February 22, 2026, at the age of 80.

Ruby was born April 24, 1945, at Dr. Groves LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the eldest daughter of Willard Alvin Henson and Hattie Mae Sheldon. She grew up in a lively family with siblings Alvin, Melvin, Marvin, Sterling, David, and Arlene, and carried those family ties throughout her life.

Ruby married Loris Dean Behrman on March 23, 1963, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together they welcomed six children: Lila Mae, Catherine Elaine, Kelly Dean, Kitsey Lynn, Kristopher Darrin, and Marty John. Their life included moves between Utah, California, and Colorado, with many years rooted in the Craig, Colorado area. She and Dean divorced December 3, 1979.

Ruby worked hard to provide for her family, beginning with waiting tables and later taking physically demanding roles in a male-dominated industry at Colorado Ute Power Plant. She worked as a utility worker and equipment operator and was later promoted to control room operator. She was highly respected in that workforce, and her advancement reflected her grit, capability, and lifelong work ethic.

On January 30, 1988, Ruby was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity to her eternal companion, Murland Ray Packer—an ordinance she cherished and a covenant that reflected the deep faith that guided her life. Through this marriage, Ruby also became a stepmother to six children: Susan, Kathryn, Julie, Robert, Karen, and Rick. Ruby and Murland lived in Tehachapi, California for seven years, then moved to Roy, Utah in 1994.

On September 1, 1995, Ruby was in an automobile accident that changed her life and left her a paraplegic. Despite this, Ruby continued to serve others and found new ways to contribute and uplift those around her. She devoted herself to writing family histories and genealogical work, honoring her mother through that devotion and considering it service to her ancestors—work she viewed as a legacy and a testimony to her posterity.

Ruby was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a dedicated teacher and inspired leader who valued the callings she held and the opportunity to serve under the direction of devoted Relief Society leaders and priesthood brethren. She believed deeply in unity through service and loved the quote, “When we join hands to serve people in need, the Lord unites our hearts.” Ruby was also an active member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers for 30 years.

She loved the temple and found deep joy in worship and service there. She was especially happy when friends bonded together as they filled her van to attend the temple as a group. Ruby and her family were blessed with many selfless, faithful, and loyal friends and neighbors who supported and loved them through the years.

She loved her Heavenly Father, her Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. She loved being a wife and mother, loved quilting and crafts—especially with grandchildren—and believed that if you knew the story of a person’s life, you would understand and love them. Among her most cherished responsibilities were being a mother and grandmother, and none who knew her in those roles could doubt her unconditional love.

Ruby is survived by her husband, Murland Ray Packer; her children and stepchildren: Lila (Joe) Herod of Craig, CO; Cathy (Dale) Updike of Craig, CO; Kelly (Evonna) Behrman of Tridell, UT; Kitsey Behrman (Jared Harrngton) of Craig, CO; Kris (Kate) Behrman of Craig, CO; Marty (Rebecca) Behrman of Evans, CO; and stepchildren Susan (Todd) Elvig, Kathryn Packer, Julie (John) Franson, Robert (Rachel) Packer, Karen (Greg) Matyas, and Rick (Candice) Packer; along with 18 grandchildren: Casey (Camie) Herod, Chelsey (Matt) Hammer, Brianna (TJ) Faulkner, Caitlin (Glade) Packer, Rachel (Nate) Estes, Ray Updike, Codye Behrman Trinitye (Michaela) Behrman, Jazmine Chinchilla (Mario), Amber Behrman, Brandi (Nate) Trotter, Caylie (Colten) Wilcut, Zachary (Cora) Behrman, Aubrey Behrman, Austin (Emma) Behrman, Alayna Behrman, Carter Behrman, Preston Behrman, 11 great-grandchildren, 19 step-grandchildren, and 6 step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Marvin LuRay Henson, Sterling Francis Henson (Sandy), Willard David Henson (Jean), and Arlene Primrose Henson (Floyd Crebs), and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by her parents, Willard Alvin Henson and Hattie Mae Sheldon, and two older brothers Alvin Sheldon Henson and Melvin Lee Henson.

Friends may visit with family on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lindquist's Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South Roy, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Roy 17th Ward Chapel 5725 South 3750 West Roy, UT. Interment will follow at Fielding Memorial Cemetery in Idaho Falls, ID.

Services will be live streamed and available at the bottom of Ruby's obituary page.

ORDER VIDEOS