Rhea Croft

RHEA CROFT IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Rhea Sams Croft, 85, of Idaho Falls, died July 31, 2008, at Turtle and Crane Assisted Living Center. She was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice. She was born April 8, 1923, at Idaho Falls, Idaho, to George Ellsworth Sams and Ila Mae Webster Sams. She grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Idaho Falls High School. She then attended Ricks College, where she received her nursing degree. On December 22, 1941, she married Merle Edward Croft in Idaho Falls. In 1946, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She was a mother and homemaker and also worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse, bank teller, and sales clerk. She was active as a volunteer in the PTA and other civic organizations. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in all the organizations and as a temple worker. She enjoyed traveling, camping, gardening, and reunions. Rhea especially loved spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include: Daughter: Sharron Lee (Dale) Wallace, Salt Lake City, UT Daughter: Kathleen Wilson-King, Sioux Falls, SD Son: Kevin Merle (MarShan) Croft, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Doran Layne Croft, Fairbanks, AK Sister: Lela Burgin, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Donna (Bill) Hartman, Ogden, UT 12 Grandchildren & 11 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, Ellsworth Sams and Chester Sams, four sisters, Lillian Earl, Onda Schell, Beth Whitehead, and Montie Pardonnet, and a grandson. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2008, at the Idaho Falls LDS 32nd Ward, 1155 East 1st Street, with Bishop Lynn Omanson officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Wednesday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Brittnie Talbot brat87_2004@yahoo.com Kevin- I am sorry about your mom. I loved taking care of her! She was so much fun! She is in a better place. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to care for her. - Brittnie Talbot Jamie Hill tripletmom29@yahoo.com My children and I send our love. We are sorry for your loss. Marva Bills-Lang mvkiska@comcast.net My heart goes out to you. Rhea was a good lady. I bet she and my mom our having a great reunion. Family of Grant Stoddard mccafferty@q.com We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. We saw her a few times when we were visiting Mom at Turtle & Crane, but she didn't know us so we didn't have a lot of communication with her. We send all the family our sincere condolences