Norma Rose (Dingeldein) Croft, a long-time resident of Cut Bank, Montana, and more recently of Great Falls, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2022, at the remarkable age of 94 years and 222 days. Her life, which began in the bustling Bronx, New York City, on July 15, 1927, was marked by a deep commitment to her family, community, and lifelong learning. As a valued member of Cut Bank for decades and a former employee of the Pioneer Press, Norma’s contributions left an indelible mark on the town.
Born as the only child to George and Julia (Wagner) Dingeldein, Norma excelled academically from a young age. She attended PS 34 for her elementary and junior high education, graduating as valedictorian of her class. Her pursuit of knowledge continued at Walton High School, an all-girls institution, where she graduated in 1945. This early education instilled in her a lifelong passion for learning. Immediately following high school, Norma completed an accelerated program in accounting and office practices at Monroe Secretarial School in September 1945, showcasing her ambition and drive. Later in life, demonstrating her continued dedication to education, she studied accounting at Flathead Valley Community College in 1971 and took correspondence courses from the University of Nebraska, always seeking to expand her knowledge.
Love entered Norma’s life when William S (Bill) Croft, upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, proposed marriage via telegram. Their wedding took place on October 12, 1945, in Tacoma, WA. Their enduring love was evident when, on their 50th anniversary, they renewed their vows, both agreeing they would happily repeat the commitment every 50 years. Their married life began in the Croft Hotel in Tacoma before they made the pivotal move to Cut Bank in January 1946. Bill’s work in the oilfields brought them to Montana, where they would establish deep roots and raise their family.
Cut Bank became the backdrop for raising their four children: Lee B Croft, born in 1946; Jerry G Croft, born in 1947; Wayne S Croft, born in 1953; and Nancy J Croft, who completed the family in 1963. All of Norma’s children received their education in Cut Bank, further cementing the family’s connection to the community.
Once her youngest child started school, Norma embarked on a new chapter, becoming the Office Manager of the Pioneer Press newspaper. Her skills and dedication shone in this role until Croft Petroleum, the family business, required her expertise. She transitioned to Office Manager at Croft Petroleum and remained a vital part of the company until her retirement in 1987. Her professional life demonstrated her strong work ethic and commitment to both her community newspaper and her family’s business.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Norma was deeply involved in community service. She was a founding member of the Cut Bank Woman’s Club, holding numerous positions including scholarship chairman, birthday calendar chair, and President of District VII from 1970-72. Through the Woman’s Club, and her involvement in Garden and Literature clubs, she cultivated lasting friendships and contributed significantly to local initiatives. Norma’s social life was vibrant and engaging. An avid card player, she reportedly knew over 100 variations of solitaire. Bridge clubs, Pinochle groups, and bowling leagues kept her active and socially connected throughout her years in Cut Bank. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering. She taught Sunday School and volunteered extensively at St Paul Lutheran Church, where her beautiful voice graced the choir for nearly 60 years. Norma was also an active member of the VFW Auxiliary, dedicating many years to chairing the Voice of Democracy scholarship program. Furthermore, she served as Secretary for the Historical Society, preserving and celebrating the heritage of Cut Bank.
Norma’s creative spirit found expression in various crafts. She was skilled in knitting, crocheting, and sewing, generously passing these talents down to younger generations. Her love for reading extended to volunteering in the HOST reading program and America Reads within the Cut Bank school system, demonstrating her commitment to literacy and children’s education. Together with Bill, Norma was instrumental in establishing Cut Bank’s Good Sam RV club, aptly named the Glacier Penguins, reflecting their love for travel and community. She was a cherished sister of P.E.O. Chapter M, further highlighting her commitment to women’s organizations and philanthropy.
Norma’s hobbies reflected her zest for life and the outdoors. She enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, reading, boating, RVing, traveling, puzzles, and crafts of all kinds. Gardening and rowing were also among her passions. However, above all else, she considered her “Grandchildren and great-grandchildren” her most treasured “Special Interests.” Norma and Bill built a fulfilling life together in Cut Bank and at Ashley Lake, creating cherished memories. In the 1980s, they embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in their RV and enjoying extended visits with their son Lee’s family in Arizona and Wayne’s family in Texas. This adventurous chapter continued until Bill’s passing from pulmonary fibrosis in November 2003.
Norma’s life was guided by her deep faith and a philosophy of “doing your best and leaving the rest to God.” She was predeceased by her parents, George (1968) and Julia (1983) Dingeldein. Norma is survived by her children: Lee Croft and wife Lesley Hoyt-Croft of Phoenix, AZ; Jerry and wife Diana (Dudley) Croft of Cut Bank, MT; Wayne and wife Judy (Pluenneke) Croft of Corpus Christi, TX; and Nancy and Bob (her “favorite son-in-law”) Jacobson of Cut Bank, MT. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Cathy Croft Schade (and Richard) of Morton, WA; Christopher W. Croft of Phoenix, AZ; William J. (and Rhonda) Croft of Spokane, WA; Jessica Croft (and Todd Bailey) of Moscow, ID; Tyler (and Sarah Conaway) Croft of Great Falls, MT; Michael (and Claire Molenaar) Croft of Missoula, MT; Hayden Croft of North Hollywood, CA; Jordan Croft of Rosamond, CA; and Daniel (and Alyxandra Hopkins) Croft of Houston, TX. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Josi Gloria, Sunny Kirchner Daze, Az Croft, Ayana Croft, Elisabeth Croft, Christopher J. Croft, Iris Bailey, Cora Bailey, and baby Caroline Croft, who was born just eight days before Norma’s passing. Adding to the expanding family legacy is great-great-granddaughter Bonnie Daze, representing the fifth generation of Norma’s descendants. Norma will be deeply missed by many, especially her cherished friend, Gloria Hedge, a steadfast companion and correspondent for over 80 years. She is also survived by nieces Christine (& Larry) Childers (NC) and Melanie (& Jim) Dempsey (VA), and nephews Hugo (& Carolyn) Croft (CA) and Kelly (& Kathy) Croft (FL).
Norma’s wishes for remembrance are beautifully articulated in a newspaper clipping she treasured for years, “To Remember Me” by Robert Test. This poignant piece speaks of organ donation and living on through kindness and good deeds.
At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine And don’t call this my “deathbed.” Call it my “bed of life,” and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives. Give my sight to a man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain. Give my blood to the teenager who has been pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play. Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk. Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her windows. Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow. Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.
Cremation has taken place, and Norma’s ashes will be interred with her husband’s. A memorial service to celebrate Norma’s life will be held on July 7th at 11:00 am at St Paul Lutheran Church in Cut Bank, with a private family ceremony for the interment of ashes to follow at a later date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be considered to the Alzheimer’s Association, St Paul Lutheran Church, or a local shelter for children or animals, honoring Norma’s compassionate spirit and dedication to service. The Cut Bank Pioneer Press extends its deepest condolences to the Croft family and celebrates the life of Norma Rose Croft, a remarkable woman who touched many lives in Cut Bank and beyond.
