Karan Rae Croft

“There are some who bring a light so great into the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”

Karan Rae Croft transitioned from this world on January 9, 2026, surrounded by love. With grace and quiet strength, she completed her earthly journey and was welcomed into peace, held in light and in the presence of those who went before her. Her life was a living expression of love, devotion, and deep care for all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Karan lived a beautiful life. She deeply loved her children, her family—including the furry ones—her friends, and her community. She was a true people person; to her, there were no strangers. She carried a genuine curiosity and interest in others, was generous beyond measure, possessed a wonderful sense of humor, and found great joy in caring for those around her.

She is survived by her four children: Valerie Gust, Sherri Gust (Colonel W. Lindsey), Lisa Gust, and Shane Gust; and by her six children from her second marriage: Douglass Croft, Amy Wassom (Bart), Brent Croft (Anabela), Gordon Croft (Margo), Michael Croft (Alicia), and Kimberly Strupp (Trevor). She was a loving grandmother to 29 grandchildren—4 biological and 25 from her second marriage—and a cherished great-grandmother to 21 great-grandchildren.

She was the eldest of four daughters born to Clyde and Mona (Jackie) Willis. Karan is also survived by her dearly loved sisters: Sandra Watt, Kristine (Shelley) Skrivanich (Michael), and Rebecca Willis/Smith. For most of her childhood, she lived in various places throughout Washington.

In 1957, she received a business degree from Eastern Washington University. After Karan graduated, she worked in San Francisco for 2 ½ years for the US government at the Young Women’s Civil Service.

She met Larry O’Neil Gust in 1959 and fell in love. They were married in Spokane, Washington, in 1960 and then moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. They shared 4 children and 27 years of marriage.

Karan worked her way into upper management at E.G.&G where her career spanned over 20 years. She later married Larry Croft on May 20, 1992, and they shared 23 years together until 2015. She courageously survived cancer and thereafter became an inspiration to others who shared that challenge.

Animals and children were always especially close to Karan’s heart. She shared nine wonderful years with her dear dog Casper and twelve treasured years with her loyal companion, Missy. They were deeply loved and brought her great comfort.

Karan took an active and engaged role in her children’s lives and gave generously of her time through volunteer service. Her many contributions included serving as a Sunday School teacher, PTA president, and room mother; volunteer at the library, animal shelter, zoo, and Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen; Job’s Daughters Worthy Advisor; Salvation Army volunteer; YMCA supporter; Girl Scout leader; arts advocate; and an active member of the Universal Unitarian Church.

Our family extends our deepest gratitude to Hospice of Eastern Idaho for the compassionate and loving care Karan received. They truly are earth angels.

Karan often said that if she had a motto or theme song for her life, it would be: “People who love people are the luckiest people in the world.”

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 555 E Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401-4337 or online at www.hospiceofeasternidaho.com/donate.