Crofter, Vera J.

Vera J. Crofter, 91, of Reflections Assisted Living, Wellman, formerly of Cedar Rapids, went to meet her Maker on Tuesday morning, July 13, 2010. Funeral Mass: 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, with Father Ivan Nienhaus, celebrant, and retired Bishop William Franklin, homilist, officiating. Burial: St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call after 10 a.m. Saturday at the church. Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West serving the family.

Vera is survived by her daughter, Marty and husband Tom Milder of Iowa City; son, Dick Crofter and wife Laura of Park Forest, Ill.; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, retired Bishop William E. Franklin of Davenport; two sisters, Harriet Farnham and husband Walt of St. Louis Park, Minn., and Elva Squires of Cedar Rapids; various in-laws; nieces and nephews; and her special friend, Milo Voss of Iowa City.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lucius on Feb. 6, 1997; her parents, two brothers and one sister.

Vera was born March 14, 1919, in Muscatine, the daughter of John and Matilda Franklin, and resided most of her adult life in Cedar Rapids. She married Lucius F. Crofter on Nov. 26, 1942, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Vera lived life to its fullest and was always there to help if anyone needed anything or if any animal was in distress she was there to save and protect it. She was a good friend to many and filled their lives with strength, warmth and happiness. But most of all, she enjoyed being a wonderful mother and grandmother. She touched the lives of all who knew and loved her and she will be sorely missed.

Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers will be accepted by the family and sent to Vera's favorite charities.