Our beloved Mother, “Summer” Vanita Norma Reidhead Pack, age 67, passed away on January 21, 2019 surrounded by the compassionate love of her daughters Kandy and Michelle as she drew her last breath. Mom was born on March 21, 1951 to Norma Nita Hansen and Roy Richard Reidhead. She was first married to Gary Nicholson who left our earthy place in 2015.
They gave birth to Kandy Nicholson (Clayton). She later married Robert Pace and they gave birth to Michelle Pace (Madsen). Mom’s husband Ernest Pack (Ernie) was her love and support for over 30 years until her passing.
Ernie had 2 children whom mom embraced as her own, as well as their children. During our childhood, mom was employed at Salt Lake Athletic Club for many years where she enjoyed teaching exercise and fitness classes. Next she started and owned her own company, “Mighty Mini Maids” for over a decade.
After selling her company she went to work for Standard Restaurant Supply, which took her to Albuquerque, New Mexico for a brief time. She soon found herself in Lake Havasu, Arizona where she met and fell in love with Ernie Pack. During their brief courtship, Mom was diagnosed with cancer and came up to Salt Lake City for surgery and then later Radiation treatments.
Mom fought tirelessly to overcome her cancer but the damage of radiation stayed with her for life. Soon after her remission, she settled in with and later married Ernie and they resided in Parker, Arizona for over 25 years. While regaining her strength, Mom went to work for The Colorado River Reporter where she made sales calls from bed.
The owner of the company was so impressed by Mom’s work ethic, her drive to succeed and her tenacity that the company was later bequeathed to her by the owner. We are proud to say that our Mother ran this highly successful publication for over 20 years and it was her pride and joy. She earned many loyal customers and life-long friends.
She also owned and managed her personal rental properties, both in Arizona and Utah. Mom enjoyed many lovely years living on the Colorado River, enjoying water crafts and boating in their early years and later just lounging in the sun. She loved to put on events and for many years ran the popular Poker River Run.
In 2015, she and Ernie moved permanently to their home in Beaver Dam, Arizona where she struggled continuously with health related issues and underwent multiple surgeries. Somehow, through all these trials, she stayed endlessly positive and rarely complained. Some of her greatest joys over the years were coming to Salt Lake City to stay and visit with her grandchildren.
The love of her birds, along with spending time eating local flare with her sister Mary and sneaking off for a little gambling or shopping when they could. Additionally, mom loved exploring various Canyons and had a love for Grand Canyon and Park City, Utah. Mom and Ernie loved to travel and went on many cruises together and adored the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico.
Driving up Pacific Coast Highway to visit Ernie’s sister and into Canada for business. Mom was a ray of sunshine to everyone who met her. She always greeted everyone with a smile and made you feel loved and welcome.
Mom spent her first two months of this latest journey at the University of Utah Hospital and after, at her daughter Kandy’s home with assistance from Hospice. During this time a very special Aide named Tiffany touched mom by her love, compassion and support. We will forever be grateful for her service and mom will always be watching out for her from Heaven.
Community was very important to mom and she had an ability to bring people together as just last year she was able to put together a sibling reunion at her home with her sisters Debra, Cherri, JoAnn, Paulette, Mary and her brother Rick. These same siblings were an amazing support to her throughout her time at the hospital and at Kandy’s home. Many had to travel very far and for that we thank you.
“Summer” Vanita, is survived by her husband Ernest Pack, her daughters Kandy Clayton (Dean), daughter Destiny Besner (33), son Casey (29). Second daughter, Michelle Madsen (Ryan), son Parker (17), daughter Gabby (15), son Logan (15). Siblings Debra Garcia, Cherri Ratliff, JoAnn Johnson (Rodney), Paulette Daniels, Mary Thompson (Dennis) & Rick Reidhead (Terri), and two great grandchildren, Rylan (10) & Breenklee Besner (6) and many nieces and nephews.
Her husband Ernest Pack, his son Dana Pack (Elena), children Kaila (24), Kelsy (22) and Cole (19). Ernie’s daughter Robin Shoemake (Robert), son Tom (22) daughter Raigan (20), daughter Tatelynn (18). Preceded in Death by her Father, Roy Richard Reidhead and Mother, Norma Nita Hansen.
Mom we will forever cherish our memories of you and with you. You have taught us to fight for what we want in life, to smile and spread joy, that family along with time is the most precious gift you can receive and give. We love you!
! ! *A Celebration of life will be held late Spring/Early Summer per mom’s request.
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