Mary Ann Packer Headstone

Hi, My name is Phillip Kastrup an I am raising funds to help pay for a headstone for my mother. She passed away on March 11,2024 of heart failure.

The artist, Mary Ann Hill-Packer, who is also known as Mariah, specialized in watercolors Southwestern art. Born and raised in Reading, Ohio with her brothers and sisters Mike, Tim, Cathy, Patty and Becky. She married Richard Kastrup and had 4 children Robert, Greggory, Phillip, and Lara. She did divorce and later married Robert W. Evans (aka Bob aka Popsy) Later she did divorce Bob and later found her high school sweet heart Guy Packer and married him. In 1996 they came to live in Apache Junction, AZ.

Art has always been in her blood. Establishing her studio there and painting were her primary goals.

While visiting the Yucatan in Mexico she explored the Mayan Pyramids which rekindled her interest in Native American Indians. Her Father Paul Hill being of Cherokee ancestry, had taught her archery and a deep respect for their heritage. He constantly encouraged Mariah to express herself on paper.

After rearing her children, she returned to school at North Light Art School were she received her certificate. She was drawn to figure drawing and watercolors. Her pieces showed emphasis on the sisterhood of all women with consideration to their culture.

To say she was a people person was an understatement. Her work reflects all ages, from ancient woman with wrinkles to a toddler seated under a table at a pow-wow dresses in traditional garb while munching French fries. The contrast of another small child dressed in cowboy clothes and blonde curls hanging loosely from under a felt hat also eating Indian fried bread. Both children were doing the cultural food exchange very contented. People, sunsets, rocks, events, pow-wows, bright colors are all inspiration and spirit that flowed from Mariah’s brushes.

Her pieces of art have found new homes with clients in France, England, Florida, Ohio, Kentucky, and Arizona. Her Women’s Desert Series are designs on bookbags, mugs and shirts that depicted different ideals for women.

Mariah moved back to Warsaw, Ky 2 years ago after Guy passed away and her health started to go downhill. Her sister, PJ helped get her set up in an apartment there. She decorated it up with an oriental style. She has lamps, paintings, etc. She always had an eye for that type of stuff.

Mariah, a wife, a mother, a sister, a grandmother, and a friend. No matter what your relation was to her, she was always cheerful and cared for others. She was always thinking of others. Even in the nursing home in her last months, her son Phillip brought her yarn so she could keep busy by knitting people hats, scarves, and blankets to keep warm.

Other things that she loved to do, was play penny poker with family and friends on holidays. That really turned into a big family tradition.30 plus people sitting around the tables playing cards after a big Thanksgiving meal at Mom’s house ( Rita) or Aunt TeeDee’s place. She loved her Skyline Chili and her cheese connies and UDF Malts too.

Mariah led a full life. Living here and there. Doing what she wanted. Her artwork was her passion, her family was her love. Her happiness came from you enjoying it. If you were lucky to know her you already knew this. Cheerish the memories you have of her and how she touched your life. Her life was a blessing for each one of us. Now go and celebrate her life!

Love Your Son,

Phillip