Jone Paulsen Crabtree, wife of Dr. Larry Crabtree, died on April 22, 2009, in Idaho Falls at the age of 79. Jone had been in residence at the Lily & Syringa Care Center and assisted by the Hands of Hope Hospice since last fall.

Born November 27th, 1929, in Lewisville, Idaho, she was the daughter of Vance and Faye Walker Paulsen. As a young girl she moved with her family to Idaho Falls.

Jone attended Emerson Grade School, O.E. Bell Junior High School, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1948. She attended the University of Idaho in 1948-1949 and was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. The following year she worked at the Resort in Sun Valley.

Jone and Larry were married in Idaho Falls on July 14, 1950, at the home of his parents, Dr. Glen B. and Addie Crabtree. They spent the next two years living in Seattle while Larry completed dental school at the University of Washington. Upon returning to Idaho Falls in June of 1952, Larry established a dental practice while he and Jone started to raise their family. After 10 years of practice in Idaho Falls, Larry joined the Commissioned Corps of the U. S. Public Health Service, and he, Jone, and their four children moved to Silver Spring, Maryland, where they continue to maintain a home. Since Larry's retirement, the couple has spent every summer at their beloved cabin in Island Park.

Jone is survived by her husband Larry and their four children: Jenny of Laguna Hills, CA, Ron of Katy, TX, James of Silver Spring, MD, and Ellen of Vail, CO, and their families, which include 6 grandchildren.

Jone is also survived by her sister, Derrelie Cottrell of Silver Spring, MD. Two sisters preceded Jone in death: Beverly Bird of Idaho Falls died in 2004, and Yvonne McMullen of Portland, OR, who died in 2007.

Jone was an avid reader and loved books and poetry. She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, horseshoes, golf, dancing, music and playing cards. Most of all she loved raising her four children and playing with her six grandchildren.

Her favorite place was the family cabin in Island Park where the family and friends gathered every summer. Her wish is that her ashes remain there. A celebration of her life is being planned for this July at the Crabtree cabin in Island Park, Idaho.

The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to Jone and Larry's nephew, Doug Crabtree and his wife Shauna, of Idaho Falls for their wonderful support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider supporting the Hands of Hope Hospice 1379 E. 17th Street in Idaho Falls, ID 83404; and The National Endowment for Alzheimer's Research at N.E.A.R. c/o National Headquarters, Box 772, Fairfield, CT 06824 or online at www.memorymatters.org

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary in Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com