Nancy Dean Crofts

Nancy Dean Ricks Crofts, 77, of Shelley, Idaho, passed away Saturday, May 14 at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Born January 27, 1939 to Henry Hans Peter Ricks of Rexburg, Idaho, and Allice Elizabeth Dean of Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the 9

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of 10 children.   She graduated from Madison High school, 1957.  She went on to continue her education at Ricks College, and graduated with an associate’s degree.  She was engaged in 1959 to Dennis Edward Crofts.  Shortly after, Dennis left for a 2-year mission.  While he was serving his mission, she went to Utah State University and completed a bachelor degree in home economics.

In July 21,1961 she married the love of her life Dennis Edward Crofts in the Idaho Falls LDS temple.  To this union was born four children, JoDean Crofts May, William Edwards Crofts, Daneen Crofts Olson, and Blake Edward Crofts.

After their marriage, Dennis continued his education, Nancy taught home economics in Tremonton, Utah for one year.  At this time their first child was born and she stayed home to take care of their child.  Later they moved to Laketown, Utah, where she taught High School for one year until her second child was born. In 1965 they moved to Shelley, Idaho where they currently reside.  She taught at Stuart Elementary for many years where she influenced many children.  But her real joy was being a homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was an expert seamstress and make quilts that were works of art.  She loved to sew for her family.  She was also an amazing cook, gardener, and a determined women who overcame any obstacle that got in her way and poured her love into everything she did.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She was a kind and caring person, who brought joy to all those she met.  She had a terrific sense of humor, and loved to pull pranks.  Her heart was filled with love for her family.  She was always eager to help other.

Nancy was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served as a Relief Society President of the Utah State Young Single Adult Ward, and of the Shelley 4

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Ward.  She was also Primary President, Young Women President, and had various other callings throughout her life.  She died firm in her testimony of the Savior and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Dennis Crofts, her daughter JoDean Crofts May (Rick), son William Edward Crofts (Maryann), Daughter Daneen Crofts Olson (Russell), and son Blake Edward Crofts (Julie).  Nancy brought joy and happiness into the world and will be deeply missed.  Nancy has 15 grandchildren and 3 ½ great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 21

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at the Shelley 4

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Ward Chapel, 184 North Park Avenue.  The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 till 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 West Oak Street, in Shelley and Saturday morning 9:30 till 10:40 at the church. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.