Nancy Fay Crockett

Nancy Faye Crockett, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, in Vernal, just days before her 77th birthday. She was born on May 17, 1949, in Pocatello to Elwin and Fern Anderson, whom she loved dearly.

Nancy was the second oldest of ten children and was raised in a humble but happy home. Early in life, she faced significant physical challenges and, by the age of four, doctors believed she might never walk. Through determination, hard work, discomfort, and the loving support of her parents, Nancy overcame those predictions and eventually learned to walk, going on to live a full and active childhood. Her willingness to serve others showed itself early. She often volunteered for the chores her siblings least wanted to do. She also spent many hours helping her father on the Anderson Dairy milk route.

On August 21, 1970, Nancy married the love of her life, Philip Crockett, in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. Together they built a large and loving family and devoted themselves fully to one another and to their children. Nancy is survived by her husband Philip and their children: Charlene, Derek (Stephanie), Paula (Steve), Mike, Bret (Kat), Rachel (Jeff), Trent (Johanna), Skyler (Becky), and Devon (Allyson), along with 39 cherished grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and by two stillborn sons, Bruce and Bryce. Though the loss of her boys remained close to her heart throughout her life, she often spoke of spiritual impressions that reassured her of their presence and looked forward with faith to the day she would meet them again.

As a mother, Nancy possessed an extraordinary ability to create warmth and abundance out of very little. During years when money was tight, she somehow managed to turn modest ingredients into meals that brought comfort and joy to everyone gathered around her table. Her famous homemade "scones" became a beloved family tradition and an absolute requirement at every gathering. Together, Nancy and Philip taught their children the value of hard work, unity, and perseverance.

Nancy also embraced the role of teacher. She patiently taught many of her children and grandchildren how to read and write, always encouraging learning and growth. She was known for her innocence and trusting nature, qualities that made her the frequent target of countless family pranks. From prank phone calls to elaborate jump scares, Nancy endured them all with humor and laughter. The Crockett boys especially tested her patience over the years with adventures that included a basement fire, an impromptu rooftop fireworks display, and even accidentally setting a neighbor on fire - all of which undoubtedly contributed to her premature gray hair.

Nancy was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and spent her life serving God and those around her. Together, Nancy and Philip created a lasting legacy of faith and devotion. They taught their family to never turn down a calling and to always make worship a priority. Whether on vacation or caring for sick children, they faithfully attended church meetings and taught their family by example.

Nancy's children and grandchildren will forever remember her constant encouragement to seek personal revelation. Whenever anyone came to her with a problem, her familiar response was, "Well, did you pray about it?" Though it was sometimes difficult to hear in the moment, her family later came to understand that she was teaching them how to build their own relationship with Heavenly Father.

Nancy genuinely loved people. She could strike up a conversation with anyone - neighbors, strangers, telemarketers, or even wrong numbers. Church meetings for the Crockett family routinely lasted an extra hour because Nancy always found someone who needed encouragement, comfort, or simply someone to listen. She served faithfully in many church callings, including ward missionary in Fort Hall, compassionate service leader in Syracuse, Cub Scouts leader in Bountiful, and director at Landmark Care Center in Vernal. In every calling and every interaction, Nancy served with deep compassion and sincere love.

Her testimony of the gospel was reflected not only in her service but also in her dedication to scripture study. Nancy studied diligently with scriptures in one hand and a dictionary in the other, carefully highlighting passages and filling margins with notes and insights. She loved learning and sharing the gospel and was instrumental in helping many people come unto Christ through baptism.

Nancy's faith also carried her family through remarkable miracles. Her family remembers with gratitude the miraculous recovery of her daughter Paula after being badly run over by a vehicle - what initially appeared fatal ultimately left her unharmed. They also remember the terrifying truck rollover near the City of Rocks involving Nancy and her three youngest children, from which everyone escaped with only minor injuries. Nancy firmly believed the Lord watched over and protected her family because they continually turned to Him in faith.

Nancy leaves behind a legacy of devotion, prayer, service, laughter, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Her influence lives on through her husband, children, grandchildren, grandchildren and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and testimony. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered until the day her family is reunited with her again.

Celebration of Life for Nancy Crockett will be held Monday, May 25, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Vernal 4th Ward LDS Chapel (235 East 600 South).