Deon Frances Croft

Deon Francis Woodruff Croft was born June 12, 1935 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Eugene Woodruff and Louella Beck Woodruff. She was the oldest of four children, a sister and two brothers.

She attended schools in Idaho Falls. She graduated from beauty college in 1950 and received her license. She went on to attend styling school in Ogden, Utah.

She married Lyle Edward Croft in Idaho Falls April 23, 1952. She, and Lyle moved to Ogden, Utah and later moved back to Idaho and lived in Shelley, Idaho. Later, they bought a house in Idaho Falls. Eventually, they bought an acreage in Firth, Idaho as they felt it would be a good place to raise their five boys. When the boys were grown, they moved back to Idaho Falls. They began spending the winters in Quartzite, Arizona along with other family members and friends.

Deon worked at French’s in Shelley. French’s later became American Basic Foods. She had a strong work ethic and one time when the lane they lived in became impassable, she walked a half mile to the highway and hailed a ride to Shelley. She started working when her mother became a single mother with children to raise.

When she was not in school, she took care of her younger siblings. She cooked, cleaned and did the washing in a wringer washer. She picked potatoes to buy her school clothes. She was still in the workforce as she began her eighties and after she retired, she volunteered in the kitchen at the Idaho Falls Senior Center. She was also a volunteer Grandma at A.W Johnson Elementary School and helped many children.

She was loyal to her friends. Wherever she went, she made friends. We got used to her saying whatever popped into her head. And she never hesitated to speak out when she saw someone being abusive.

Deon was a member of the Eagles Lodge and the Latter-Day Saints Church.

Deon is survived by her five boys; Michael Croft, Jerry (Sue) Croft, Gregory Croft, Lorin (Connie) Croft and Clint (Melissa) Croft, brothers; Harry Woodruff and Boyd Woodruff, 22 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 7 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle, both her parents, stepfather; Alfred Crandall, one sister, Betty.

The family would like to express appreciation for the care given Deon by Alexis and the Gables and Helping Hands Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street, in Shelley. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast on Nalder Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

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