DoraLee Packer Walz, 85, of Rexburg, passed away on March 26, 2017 of causes related to age. She was born July 21, 1931, in Rexburg, Idaho to Clyde Parkinson Packer and Dora Merrill Packer. She had an older sister, Claire (Preece), and three older brothers, Dean, Merrill, and Alden. She grew up in Rexburg and attended local schools: Adams Elementary, Washington Jr. High, and Madison High School, enjoying the social side more than the studies. She went to modeling school in Seattle, Washington, and returned to Rexburg and Ricks College, because in high school, she had met and fallen in love with Rex Jackson Walz of Burton. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on October 20, 1950.

DoraLee and Rex lived next to his parents, raising Hereford cattle on the family farm and ranch, in the Burton and Canyon Creek areas. In 1956, they purchased Rex's grandfather's house and farm, also in Burton, where they raised hay and grain. Every Tuesday, they worked at the Rexburg Livestock Auction, which was owned by her father-in-law, Herman. DoraLee worked as a bookkeeper and office manager; Rex was the weighmaster. Later they took over management of all the Packer Farm grain operations east and south of Newdale, continuing to farm in Burton, and ranch in the Canyon Creek area. DoraLee and Rex were partners in all of their endeavors; but her favorite job was a home, teaching and nurturing her children.

Rex and DoraLee have four children: Eric (Lynne) Walz, LeeAnne (David Lynn) Archibald, Arlyn (Debbie) Walz and Tarrin Walz. They have 9 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren. DoraLee came from a large extended family, and from the time she was small, enjoyed getting together with cousins, nieces and nephews, at reunions. DoraLee had an abundance of love for all her family members, taking the time to make each feel special. She taught them and played with them. She loved horses, dogs, cats, and basically ALL animals.

In the mid-seventies, DoraLee and Rex began spending their winters in Arizona, where they lived first in Mesa, and later moving to Gilbert. DoraLee loved the heat! As in Idaho, they did many things together. They both sought and achieved their Realtor licenses, and became involved in the real estate business; again - partners. They were both active in their Home Owner's Association.

DoraLee enjoyed playing tennis, riding horses, vacations and water-skiing. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, watching them do the things they enjoyed! During the course of her life, DoraLee participated in PTA, local book clubs, and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, among other things. She served as the Madison County Precinct Chairman for the Republican Party, and as a Home Owners Association Board member for their housing complex in Arizona. She enjoyed socializing with friends and traveling with Rex. DoraLee was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and held several positions in the Relief Society, Sunday School and Primary in the wards they attended. In the 1990's, DoraLee and Rex were called to serve a Sr. Couple's Mission in the California Los Angeles Mission, where she served as secretary to the Mission President. They loved being on a mission, and fulfilled it honorably.

DoraLee was preceded in death by both parents, four siblings, and her husband Rex, the love of her life for 66 years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 31, at the new Burton LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and Friday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Interment will be in the Burton Cemetery.