Deon Crofts

Deon Anderson Crofts, 93, passed away at her home on September 24, 2026. She was born February 7, 1933, in Woodville, Idaho, to William Leroy Anderson and Pearl McArthur Anderson. She grew up in Shelley, Idaho, and graduated from Shelley High School.

When Deon was 16, her father passed away, and she took on responsibilities at a young age. The skills, determination, and strong work ethic she developed during those years stayed with her throughout her life.

Deon created a beautiful home and a loving family. She kept a large garden and faithfully canned what she grew, made homemade bread, sewed and quilted, and passed these skills on to her children. She was organized and particular and liked things done right. She was a master Boggle player, a devoted fan of The Lawrence Welk Show, The Price Is Right, and had a lifelong love of music. In her younger years, she even played the clarinet in a dance band.

On March 6, 1953, Deon married her sweetheart, Norman Crofts, just ten days after he returned from a two-and-a-half year mission in Hawaii. Together they built a life centered around family, work, faith, and service, eventually raising five children: Mike (Pam) Crofts, Debbie (Mark) Mason, Rusty (Shauna) Crofts, Raelyn (Wayne) Kinder, and Von (Jennifer) Crofts.

Deon and Norm owned and operated several businesses together over the years, including NJ's Cafe Pizza in Island Park. Later, they served a church mission in Salt Lake City, where they worked in family history.

Deon's faith in her Savior was an important part of her life. She served faithfully in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in several callings, including as Relief Society president and Primary president. She willingly used her time and talents to serve others, and she found joy in helping and lifting those around her.

Deon was quiet and preferred not to be in the spotlight, but she had a fun-loving personality and undeniable spunk. For her 90th birthday, she celebrated by getting her ears pierced–a perfect example of the unexpected and spirited side of her personality.

Deon is survived by her brother, Daryl Anderson; her five children; 21 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren, and 4 great, great-grandchildren. Her family members cherish her deeply and are grateful for the many memories, traditions, skills, and lessons she passed on to them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; her grandson, Eric Crofts; her parents; and her siblings, Reed Anderson, Veloy Jameson, Jean Kirkham, and Kay Anderson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Templeview Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow at the Basalt Cemetery.