Zola Mae Cruser Forsgren, 97, of Idaho Falls, passed peacefully from this life on November 2, 2016, from natural causes; she was surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 8, 1919, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Joseph and Olga Anna Cox Cruser.  She grew up in the Egin/Plano area, and graduated from Edmonds High School. She attended Ricks Academy, and later after she was married she earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University.

Zola married Thomas Winford Forsgren on July 13, 1941.  They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on August 31, 1942.  Their union was blessed, with 10 children.  They lived in Hibbard, Rexburg, and Rigby.   She later moved to Idaho Falls, after Tom's death.

She taught school for about 20 years.  She taught at Osgood Elementary, Lyman Union Elementary, and Midway Elementary.  She especially loved teaching the fourth grade because she loved Idaho History.

She was a faithful, active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She served in many church callings.  It was her belief and testimony that a person should never turn down a church calling.  She served two LDS missions, first in the New Mexico, Santa Fe mission.  Then later a Family History mission in Salt Lake City.   She, also, served as a temple worker in the Idaho Falls Temple.

She loved her immediate family, and extended family.  She really loved Reunion time each summer.  She knew how important it was for families to stay close and connected. She had many friends, and she enjoyed doing things with them.  She was always kind and patient with others.  It didn't matter if they were family or not.  She freely gave of her time and talents to serve others.

Zola had a great love for animals, and had many pets. She enjoyed learning about geology and geography, crocheting, reading, playing table games (especially Hand and Foot), traveling, sight-seeing,  rides in the country, taking walks, camping, and Oil Painting.

She is survived by her children, Karen (Don) Ramey of Idaho Falls, Thomas (Betty) Forsgren of Pocatello, Dennis (Peggy) Forsgren of Sugar City, Hal (Bonnie) Forsgren of Melba, JoAnn Forsgren Clark of Sugar City, Robert Forsgren of Idaho Falls, Patricia (Timothy) Thomas of Rexburg, Gary (Lynda) Forsgren of Rexburg, and Keith (Tammy) Forsgren of Idaho Falls, 32 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, Richard J. Forsgren, her parents, sisters: Martha Black, Fern Henricksen, Vondella Rosenlof, Brothers: Merrill Cruser, Darell Cruser, Devirl Cruser, a grandson, and a granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 12, at 11:00 A.M. at the Tiebreaker, 11th Ward building, 1100 South Tiebreaker, Ammon, with Bishop Cort McCammon officiating.  The family will meet with family and friends Friday, November 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. at Coltrin Mortuary, and 10:00 to 10:45 at the church prior to the services.  Burial will be in the Parker Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.coltrinmortuary.com