Nelda Lien Croot, 79

Nelda Lien Croot, of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, entered into God's kingdom on June 6, 2023. She was born in Kellogg, Idaho, on February 18, 1944, to Mildred and Edward Lien.

Nelda graduated from Coeur d'Alene High School in 1962 and the University of Idaho in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in education.

Mrs. Croot moved nine times during her husband's four years in the Navy and taught school in Idaho, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. She then helped her husband run his freelance commercial diving business from 1974 until he retired in 2000. Always active in school and community projects, Mrs. Croot wrote for school plays, was editor of the "NewsBuoy" in Maryland, and helped start the "Arden on the Severn Play Group" for local kids. She was a volunteer at the Crownsville State Hospital for the elderly and helped coach her daughter's softball and soccer teams. Her last job was serving as a receptionist for the University of Idaho at Sandpoint, Idaho.

Before marrying, she played her violin as a member of several area orchestras including the University of Idaho, Junior Symphony and Spokane Symphony. She was concertmistress of the All-State Orchestra in Boise in 1962. She also enjoyed playing a great fiddle for square dances at the Meadowbrook Grange Hall in Idaho in the 1960s.

Nelda leaves behind her loving husband, Robert Croot, whom she dated for six years and married in 1965. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Cynthia A. Croot of Pittsburgh and Leslie C. Croot of Montana, as well as two loved stepdaughters, Kate and Sloane Koller. Also remaining are Nelda's sister Sylvia (Marvin) Kunz, of Portland, brother Keith (Betty) Lien of Post Falls, Richard Croot of Sequim, Wash., Sandra Croot (Bert) Calhoun, Susan Croot (David) Tweeddale, both of Fort Smith, Ark.

Moving back home to Idaho in 2000, Nelda refound her bearings and Heavenly Father as well as amazing Lien, Lakin, Cady and Croot cousins and spectacular nieces and nephews. She also loved her NIC gal pals, high school classmates, Sagle neighbors, and her new family at Southside Community Church.

Nelda was a wonderful loving, giving mother, wife, and friend with a great sense of humor. She will be forever missed by us all.

No service or monument is planned but memorial donations may be made in remembrance of Nelda to those who gave her care at: Pacifica Courtyard, Sherman Ave Phone: (208) 765-8364 Auburn Crest Hospice Phone: (208) 665-8111.