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Vida Katherine (Howard) Croft, age 99 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in her honor will be held at 12:00 PM, Monday, October 7, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, IL. The visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Vida was born on January 11, 1925, in Tompkinsville, KY to the late Cass T. and Lillie S. (Brown) Howard. She married Lee Croft on May 18, 1943, in Rising Fawn, GA; he preceded her in death on May 5, 2001. She is survived by two sons, Jimmie W. Croft and wife Marilyn of St. Charles, IL, Allen L. Croft and wife Terri of Ashmore, IL; six grandchildren: Jason Croft and significant other Shannon Beranek of Champaign, IL, Mark Croft and wife Samantha of Etoile, TX, Dustin Croft and wife Sarah of Coal Valley, IL, Jordan Croft of Mahomet, IL, Evan Donahue and wife Kelly of Indialantic, FL, and Erin Anderson and significant other Chris Bielanski of Urbana, IL; eight great-grandchildren: Savannah, Caroline, Jackson, Delaney, Hudson, Beau, Ava, and Adler. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Nicholas, Ivan, and Charles Howard; and one sister, Zada Jackson. Vida attended the New Mercy Worship Center in Mattoon, IL. Blessed with all the loving attributes of a homemaker, Vida was a remarkable example of a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Tending to her family, her home, her lawn and garden was effortless for her. She enjoyed sewing and was a talented seamstress. In her earlier years she was a very active and hands-on grandmother. Always focused on their interest, she made time spent with her grandchildren feel special to each of them. A beautiful woman with superb character, Vida never said a bad word or spoke ill of anyone. She will be remembered the way her friends and loved ones describe her as very caring, a sweetheart, a lovely lady, and a delight to know. She will be deeply missed, but the memories of her will be forever treasured. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Vida Katherine (Howard) Croft

January 11, 1925 - October 3, 2024