Lois Naomi Crabtree, 82, of Dolores and Yuma, Ariz. passed away of natural causes at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012. She was born April 28, 1930, in Hillside, Colo.
Lois met Virgil Crabtree in Hillside in 1948. The two were later married in Denver on Jan. 19, 1952. Over 42 years, Lois took on many roles in Yuma. Opening her pet store "Lois' Ark" on Second Avenue, she became one of the first female business owners in the county. After 20 years of working she packed up her business and became a full-time mother, mentor and a devoted grandmother. In the last decade of her life, Lois and her husband split their time between their home in Yuma and the loving community of Dolores. Up in the Rockies, she enjoyed her time with the local church, fishing in the Dolores River, and gardening in her backyard.
Lois is survived by her husband, Virgil Crabtree of Yuma; sister, Barbara Hurt of Lakewood, Colo.; daughters, Donna R. Brandenberger (Steven) and Dianne Reinertson (James) both of Yuma; son, Dale A. Crabtree (Roberta) of Jamestown, Ind.; seven loving grandchildren; and one brand-new great-grandchild. She will also be missed by countless family and friends.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
The family honored Lois' memory privately with friends in Yuma on Oct. 23, 2012. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the Dolores Southern Baptist Church, Attn: Colleen Smith, P.O. Box 397, Dolores, CO 81321, or to the Lois Crabtree Scholarship Fund; Yuma Territorial FFA Alumni, in care of Virgil Crabtree.
