Mary Ann Cronk, 80

Mary Ann Katherine Cronk, 80, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 24, 2011. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and friends who loved her very much; each sharing stories of a wonderful, Godly and courageous woman.

Mary Ann was born July 21, 1930, to Elmer and Elizabeth (Repp) Bitter in Spokane. She attended St. John's Lutheran grade school in Spokane. Her family moved to a farm in Worley, ID, where she attended high school, graduating in 1948. After graduation, Mary Ann worked in a physician's office in Spokane where she lived until the early 1960's when she reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Keith Cronk. They were married and spent the rest of their years together in Hayden.

Most of her working career was spent in the medical field as a transcriptionist for Kootenai Medical Center and then the Coeur d'Alene Eye Clinic, from which she retired after 21 years. After one year she decided she was not ready to retire, so she worked summers at Silverwood Theme Park for nine more years.

Mary Ann loved to travel; she visited 11 different countries, Hawaii and Alaska. She also liked to read, knit and do crafts, but her passion and true talent was crocheting. She completed many afghans, hats, scarfs, doilies, baby blankets and wall hangings for family and friends which will be treasured forever. She had a large collection of angels; she couldn't pass one by without bringing it home.

Her greatest joy was her family. Mary Ann felt very blessed to be able to help care for three of her grandchildren as they were growing up. She was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where she enjoyed singing in the choir, attending Bible studies and doing volunteer work. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. Mary Ann touched so many lives and will be remembered by her loving acts of kindness, bright blue eyes and sweet smile.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lorraine Botham, brother Ralph Bitter and her beloved husband, Keith. She is survived by her three daughters: Elizabeth (Betty Jo) Jacobsen, Dawnelle and Ralph Parsons, Lynette and Rory Presnell; grandchildren Jill, Luke, Bryan, Angela, Jessica, Logan and Blake; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

We wish to thank the staff at Hospice of North Idaho and Well Spring Meadows Assisted Living for their support and wonderful care. Donations may be made in Mary Ann's memory to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.

There will be a short graveside service at 1 p.m. Monday, April 4, at Coeur d'Alene Memorial Gardens, followed by a memorial service at St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Hayden at 2 p.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall at the church; everyone is welcome to attend.

Yates Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements. Please visit Mary Ann's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.