Obituary: Jeanne Blakley Croft

Jeanne Blakley Croft 1937 ~ 2005 Jeanne Blakley Croft passed away Friday, November 4, 2005 at her home in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born January 29, 1937 in Prosser, Washington to Sidney Wayne Blakley and Dollie May Welch Blakley. She married Donald Brent Croft March 22, 1957 in Kennewick, WA and had two darling daughters, Karen and Lisa. Jeanne was a quick-witted, vivacious person with the ability to laugh at life. Her personality was contagious and brightened everyone around her. She delighted in giving dinner parties, setting an elegant table, and preparing scrumptious meals for family and friends. She enjoyed knitting and created several beautiful afghans. Working crossword puzzles kept her mind sharp; she relished playing cards, especially Bridge, but her favorite game was Pinochle, at which she was an EXPERT! Jeanne was very involved throughout her life. Growing up in WA she participated in several school activities including being a majorette. She was also a librarian and loved to read. She held a variety of jobs, but most of her "working years" were spent at New Mexico State University serving as Marketing Specialist for the Department of Agriculture. She helped establish the International Connoisseurs of Green and Red Chile and enjoyed inducting numerous famous personalities into the ICGR Society, as well as promoting chile worldwide. She made many dear friends working with the chile industry, and had a blast at many a "Hatch Chile Festival!" Jeanne and Don divorced in 1987, but managed to keep a cordial relationship which enabled pleasant interaction at family gatherings, an unusual accomplishment greatly appreciated by their family! Jeanne is survived by her daughters, Karen (Ed Payne), and Lisa (Lynn Meinzer), and her grandchildren, Sid, Penny (Tyler Ince), Jillian, Greg Payne, Tara (Bill Barber), Tres, Lisa, Scott, David Romney; many good friends and loving relatives. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and friendship that will live on through her family till we all meet again. Graveside services will be held Thursday, November 10, 2005 11 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT. Funeral Directors, Larkin Mortuary. Email condolences may be sent to LMeinzer@msn.com