Claudia Johnson Crofts

Claudia Johnson Crofts, age 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 in Sun City, AZ surrounded by her loved ones.  Claudia was born in 1934 in Rockford, Illinois to Stanley and Claudine Johnson.  She attended Beloit College and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a minor in English.  

 

While at Iowa, she met a really nice and handsome graduate student from Utah, Gordon Crofts, who worked at the Pi Phi house.  After graduation, and to be conveniently close to her boyfriend, she took a high school English teaching job in Henderson, Nevada.  After a year, Claudia moved to Salt Lake City, at the urging of Gord and took a teaching job at East High School.  In 1958, she married Gord in Rockford, IL.  

 

Claudia was an avid sports fan and participant.  She loved to play tennis, golf, racquetball, bridge and was a great swimmer.  Claudia was an accomplished pianist and organist.  She followed current events, politics and athletics.  She and Gord watched virtually any game together that involved a ball (especially the Jazz).  She loved to watch her grandkids’ activities and be with her family.  Claudia loved warm, sunny weather and she and Gord spent the winters in Arizona for many years.  She loved flowers and had a beautiful flower garden and prolific vegetable and fruit gardens.  

 

Claudia was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and understood the Plan of Salvation.  She was sealed to Gord in the Salt Lake Temple when they were in their 70’s.  Gord and Claudia had the opportunity to serve a mission together in St. George, Utah, a great blessing in their lives.  

 

Claudia is survived by her devoted husband, Gordon, of 61 years, and children, Gordon II (Kristine) Crofts of Park City, Cheri (Scott) Sperry of Salt Lake City, David (Sharon) Crofts of Evanston, WY.  She is survived by grandchildren: Morgan (Mitch) Nielsen, Jessie Landgren, Madisyn Crofts, Aspen Landgren, Hayden Crofts, Taylor Crofts, Kali Crofts, Dawson Crofts, Gordon Crofts III and her very special caregiver, Cindy Villanueva.  

 

A viewing will be held at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 6-8 p.m.  A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 College Street (4580 So.), Salt Lake City. Guestbook to post messages for the family available at: HolbrookMortuary.com