Zola Mae Cruser Forsgren

1919 - 2016

Zola Mae Cruser Forsgren, 97, of Idaho Falls, passed peacefully from this life on Nov. 2, 2016, from natural causes. She was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 8, 1919, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Joseph and Olga Anna Cox Cruser. She grew up in the Egin/Plano area, and graduated from Edmonds High School. She attended Ricks Academy, and later after she was married she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University.

Zola married Thomas Winford Forsgren on July 13, 1941. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on Aug. 31, 1942. Their union was blessed with 10 children. They lived in Hibbard, Rexburg and Rigby. She later moved to Idaho Falls after Tom's death.

She taught school for about 20 years. She taught at Osgood Elementary, Lyman Union Elementary and Midway Elementary. She especially loved teaching the fourth grade because she loved Idaho History.

She was a faithful, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many church callings. It was her belief and testimony that a person should never turn down a church calling. She served two LDS missions, first in the New Mexico, Santa Fe mission, then later a family history mission in Salt Lake City. She also served as a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Temple.

She loved her immediate family and extended family. She really loved reunion time each summer. She knew how important it was for families to stay close and connected. She had many friends, and she enjoyed doing things with them. She was always kind and patient with others. It didn't matter if they were family or not. She freely gave of her time and talents to serve others.

Zola had a great love for animals and had many pets. She enjoyed learning about geology and geography, crocheting, reading, playing table games (especially Hand and Foot), traveling, sight-seeing, rides in the country, taking walks, camping and oil painting.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Don) Ramey, of Idaho Falls, Thomas (Betty) Forsgren, of Pocatello, Dennis (Peggy) Forsgren, of Sugar City, Hal (Bonnie) Forsgren, of Melba, JoAnn Forsgren Clark, of Sugar City, Robert Forsgren, of Idaho Falls, Patricia (Timothy) Thomas, of Rexburg, Gary (Lynda) Forsgren, of Rexburg, and Keith (Tammy) Forsgren, of Idaho Falls; 32 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husban; a son, Richard J. Forsgren; her parents; sisters Martha Black, Fern Henricksen and Vondella Rosenlof; brothers Merrill Cruser, Darell Cruser and Devirl Cruser; a grandson; and a granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m. at the Ammon 11th Ward, 1100 South Tiebreaker, Ammon, with Bishop Cort McCammon officiating. The family will meet with family and friends Friday, Nov. 11, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, and 10-10:45 at the church prior to the services. Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.