Vivian Croson

Vivian Elaine Allen-Croson, "Mom", 86 years old, went home to be with the Lord at her daughter’s home in Plains, Montana.

Mom was born September 24th ,1939 to Edgar and Leona Allen in St. Maries, Idaho. She was the youngest of 6 kids. Mom was raised on the family ranch – mountain, just below the S.M. Cross. She went to school in St. Maries and graduated from St. Maries High School in 1957. She met the love of her life, Larry Croson (Big-Heavy) in her senior year, and they were married June 15th, 1957, at the Hitching Post in CDA, Idaho. Mom and Dad moved to Sacramento, California shortly after marrying where Larry went to work. Their daughter Shelly was born there. They moved around for several years as Larry worked various jobs: but moved back to St. Maries and lived there the rest of their lives.

Their son Clint was born in CDA and their youngest son Randy was born in St. Maries.

Mom worked at the Pines Motel for many years and loved the people she worked for. She also worked at the Benewah Community Hospital as a receptionist in the Radiology Department for many years. Another job she loved because of the people she worked with, forming lifelong friendships.

In the early years of her married life and raising children, a highlight for her was visiting the family home on the S.M. hill and playing cards with her parents and siblings. Mom’s parents, three brothers, and two sisters meant everything to her. Mom loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her life. Mom attended lots of sporting events watching both sons compete in various sports during their school years. She enjoyed going shopping with her sister, Lois and her mom, Leona and going to the local drug store fountain bar, for ice cream sundaes with her daughter Shelly, grandson Kyle, granddaughter Kari and Grandma Allen { Leona }.

She was a member of the Women’s Tug a War Team, when her husband Larry was on the men’s state championship team for the ALC. They had so much fun doing this together and with the great men and women on both teams.

Mom survived 33 years without the love of her life, Larry, who passed away in 1992. To fill those years, she spent lots of time camping up the St. Joe. She loved her time mowing and taking care of the property and visiting with family and friends at the campsite. There were lots of 4-wheeler adventures with her kiddos and hunting for her beloved rocks of unique shapes, sizes and colors. She also worked as a volunteer at the Senior Center and loved visiting with her fellow volunteers and those shopping there.

Mom was preceded in death by her father, mother, three brothers, two sisters, husband Larry. Her oldest grandson Kyle, and granddaughter Kari.

She is survived by her daughter Shelly, { Tom } of Plains, MT. Son’s Clint and Randy { Jan } of St. Maries. Seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, two great – great grandchildren and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Elks Lodge in St. Maries, February 27 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a meal following the service.