Evelyn Wilson Packard

Evelyn Kay (Wilson) Packard, 82, of Ashland, Ohio, passed peacefully into the presence of her Heavenly Father on November 5th, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Evelyn was born on January 22, 1944, to Herman and Esta (Scaggs) Wilson in Medina County Ohio. She grew up alongside her brother, Tom, and sisters, Shirlee and Thelma, on the family's small farm in Wayne County. It was there that she developed her love of the outdoors and her lifelong passion for riding horses. She attended Norwayne High School, graduating in 1962 as valedictorian and a class officer.

Following high school, Evelyn attended Kent State University, graduating in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in education. She began what would become a 44-year career in education as an English teacher at Yreka High School in California. On July 15, 1967, she married Kenneth Harry Packard in Spencer, Ohio.

Following their marriage, Evelyn taught at Mogadore Middle School from 1967 to 1970 before returning to her alma mater, Norwayne High School, where she taught until 1977. During those years, Evelyn and Ken moved to a small farm in Glenmont, Ohio. In 1977, she joined the faculty at West Holmes High School, where she spent the next 21 years teaching English and making a lasting impact on generations of students. She began teaching at the Coshocton County Career Center in 1998 and later served as a student teaching supervisor at Ashland University.

Throughout her career, Evelyn continued her own education, earning a master's degree in education from Kent State University and embracing opportunities for lifelong learning. She was taught to love learning early in life and never stopped. In addition to teaching English, she coached speech and debate teams at both Norwayne and West Holmes and regularly helped students prepare speeches for competitions and other events. She was also a devoted supporter of West Holmes athletics and especially loved cheering on her beloved Lady Knights basketball teams. Evelyn took great pride in celebrating the accomplishments of her students, both inside and outside the classroom.

Evelyn's passion for recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of others led her and Ken to establish Jozak's Trophies, a family business they operated for almost 40 years. Through the business, they provided trophies and awards to numerous local school districts and organizations, helping generations of students and community members celebrate their achievements.

Evelyn was known for her generosity, determination, and remarkable ability to recognize potential in others that they might not yet see in themselves. She believed in her students, encouraged them to challenge themselves, and took a genuine interest in their lives long after they had left her classroom. These qualities extended well beyond her work as an educator and were evident in the many relationships she built throughout her life.

Evelyn's faith was an important part of her life. She was a member of Glenmont Church of Christ, Grove Church of Christ, and most recently St. John's Church of Millersburg, where she served on the church council.

Although Evelyn loved teaching, nothing brought her greater joy than her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, whether playing games, reading together, watching movies, or cheering them on as they grew. Evelyn and Ken also cherished their family's summer trips to Destin, Florida, where they spent more than 35 years making memories with their children and grandchildren on the beach and along Choctawhatchee Bay.

Evelyn is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Josh and Wendy Packard of Ashland and Zach and Kristy Packard of Beavercreek; and four grandchildren, Emma, Jacob, Aiden, and Ethan. She is also survived by her brother, Tom Wilson; sister, Shirlee Jones; sisters-in-law, Susan Packard, Delores Packard, and Regina Wilson; nieces, Stephanie Helinski, Stacie Packard, and Risa Snyder; nephews, Ted Wilson and Matthew Packard; as well as many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Kenneth Harry Packard; her parents, Herman and Esta Wilson; her sister, Thelma Riggenbaugh; her brothers-in-law, Samuel Packard, Robert Packard, Dave Jones, John Riggenbaugh, and her nephew Doug Jones.

Evelyn will be remembered for her faith, generosity, determination, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on not only through her children and grandchildren, but also through the countless students, colleagues, friends, and loved ones whose lives were enriched by her encouragement, wisdom, and belief in their potential.

Friends may call on Sunday, Nov. 15th from 3-5 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Creston where services will follow at 5:00 p.m. Pastor Don Stowell will officiate. A private family burial will be on Monday at Kaylor Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice, 500 Industrial Dr., Lexington, OH 44904.