Renee Crofts obituary

Courtesy of Nalder Funeral Home

Renee Ann Wright Crofts passed away on March 24th, 2022 in Idaho Falls Idaho. She was the fifth child of ten children born to Donald and Laila Nielsen Wright on April 7th, 1946 in Idaho Falls.

Renee grew up on a family farm in Shelley Idaho and performed her share of chores and learned the value of hard, honest work taking care of pigs, chickens, horses, and cows. She loved her close family and cherished the values learned and the relationships she had with all of her siblings and adhered to the teachings of her parents all of her life.

Renee attended schools in Shelley and later met and married the debonair Terry Crofts on November 27th, 1963. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 31, 1984. The couple lived in Shelley, Ammon and Woodville, had four children, and enjoyed a happy marriage and wonderful family until Terry’s passing in 1985.

She understood and applied the principles of Christlike love and served others all of her life. Though her challenges were many, her accomplishments were far greater. She never considered what she gave up for her children to be a sacrifice and always made sure that her family’s needs came first. The desire to put the needs of everyone else first was continual throughout her life. Her infectious giggle was such a dominant trait that it extended through generations to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After being a stay-at-home mother and caregiver for many years, she went to work at Huntsman’s/Broulim’s as a Meat Wrapper and then later at the U.S. Postal Service.

Her hobbies included camping, gardening, canning fruits, and vegetables with a great appreciation for the beautiful visual image that the canned goods made. She also enjoyed campfire cooking and at one time played a mean accordion.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized on June 4th, 1955 and confirmed on June 5th, 1955. She held many callings in Relief Society and Primary, including Primary President. She served as a Visiting Teaching and Ministering partner with her sister Vicki for many years.

Survivors include her daughter Carma (Rick) Lee of Rock Springs Wyoming, son Michael Crofts of Shelley, daughter-in-law Jeana Crofts Carter of Shelley, grandchildren; Nicole Davidson of Cheyenne Wyoming, T.J. (Kayci) Crofts of West Haven, Utah, Krista (Steven) Shelley of Elko Nevada, Telisha (Gary Rainey) Crofts of Idaho Falls, Trey Lee of Wichita Falls, Texas, Tailee (Leo Vega) Crofts of Idaho Falls and Jordyn (Dillan) Bennett of Logan Utah.

Surviving Great Grandchildren are Braxton, Madilyn, and Dixie Davidson. Lilly, Dri Garcia, Tayzlee, Gracelee, Daxton Rainey. Bentley, Berkeley, Hudson Shelley. Jonah Vega. Charlie Lee and Rip Crofts.

Also surviving are Sisters: Sharron Josephson, Mary (Bryce) Fielding, Dorene (Larry) Hansen, Vicki (Merrill) Cox, and Janice Duce and Brothers: Gene (Carol) Wright and Bill (LeAnn) Wright.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Crofts, sons, David and Bradley Crofts, great-granddaughter, Isla Crofts, parents, Donald and Laila Wright, two infant sisters and brothers-in-law, Parke Josephson and Stephen Duce.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2022 at the Shelley Fourth Ward Chapel, 184 North Park Ave. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 till 12:45 p.m. at the church. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home in Shelley. Burial will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery.