Connie Strom

1953 - 2014

Connie (Waters) Strom, 60, was received into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, surrounded by her friends and family at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Connie was born Aug. 24, 1953, in Pocatello, the firstborn of three children born to Beryl Vivian Blattner Waters and the late John Arden Waters.

She married Erik James Strom on Aug. 23, 1980, in Idaho Falls. They, together, loved and raised two wonderful daughters, Amanda Desiree (Jason) Hall, 26, and Michelle Kristen Strom, 21.

Amanda and Jason gave Connie and Erik their first grandchild, Maggie Jeanne, in June 2013. Connie was an especially proud grandmother.

Connie attended schools in the area, graduating from Skyline High School, Ricks College and BYU with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She returned to school in the late 1980s to Idaho State University, earning her special education endorsement.

She taught in the Madison, Bonneville and Butte County school districts, touching the lives of those she served in the classroom.

She enjoyed doing many activities with her family, including camping, fishing, hiking, motorcycling, rafting the South Fork and traveling. She rode mules in the Grand Canyon, snorkeled in the Sea of Cortez, took a cruise to Alaska, fished for halibut and crab in Oregon and visited Israel for her 30th anniversary.

She was especially blessed to receive the invitation to live for Jesus in 1987, securing her eternal destiny in the presence of God. She was never afraid to share the hope she had living for Jesus. She was the catalyst for bringing God's salvation into the lives of her husband, children and her extended family. She was a prayer warrior in her community of faith, joining with others in praying for healing, revelation of God's truth and the salvation of family members.

She overcame illness in her life with a fighting spirit. She conquered cancer in 2004 under insurmountable odds, giving God the credit and glory.

Her husband and children cherished every day with Connie. She was a blessing to everyone who knew her. She will be missed so much.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Erik Strom; daughters, Amanda (Jason) Hall and Michelle Strom; mother, Beryl V. Waters; brothers, John Lynn Waters and Chuck (Suzie) Waters; and grandchildren, Maggie Hall and Shane Hall, all of Idaho Falls.

She was preceded in death by her father, John A. (Pete) Waters.

A celebration of Connie's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Church of the Nazarene, 1900 Grandview Drive in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church. Following the services, interment will be at 3 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Arco, Idaho.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.