Waltrud (Trudy) Cragun

Waltrud E. Cragun, 91, returned home to her Heavenly Father on May 3, 2026, in Roy City Utah, surrounded by her family. As she took her final breath here on earth, she stepped peacefully into eternity, joyfully reunited with her beloved husband and embraced by those loved ones and friends who have passed before her.

Mom’s story began on February 9, 1935, in Pirmasens, Germany, where she was born to Franz and Katharina Unfricht. Her early years were shaped by both love and hardship. Losing her father at the tender age of nine during WWII left a mark on her young heart. It was due to the determined care of her mother, aunts, and close family members she and her young brother learned to be strong and resilient. They grew up understanding that happiness is a choice, faith can steady a trembling heart, and God’s quiet guidance and close family carries us through even the darkest of times. These lessons became the foundation of the woman she would become and drove her to instill those values into her children and grandchildren.

Mom excelled in school and possessed a natural talent for music. After graduating, she began working at the Rheinberger shoe factory with her mother. She loved life, especially dancing—her weekends spent with her friends in local dance halls where laughter, music, and hope filled the air. It was at one of those dances that her life changed forever. Through a dear friend, she met an American soldier, Willard S. Cragun. The connection between them was instant, deep, and enduring. Though raised continents apart, their spirits recognized something familiar in each other. They married on January 6, 1961, beginning a beautiful life together and welcoming their first son while still in Germany.

Upon leaving Germany in 1962 and our fathers’ discharge from the Army, the young family returned home to Ogden, Utah, where they lived until they built their forever home in Roy, in 1970. For 56 years, that home was filled with warmth, love, and the unmistakable feeling of family. It became the place where countless memories were made—celebrations, quiet moments, holiday traditions, and simple everyday joys.
Mom was the heart of our home. She had an incredible gift for creating beauty—her home was immaculate, her décor thoughtful, her gardens vibrant and lovingly tended. She poured her creativity into quilts, crocheted Afghans, hand-stitched artwork, and Christmas stockings that will be treasured for generations. Mom’s cooking—especially her German dishes and baked treats—was an expression of love that brought everyone together. She was happiest when her home was full and her loved ones and friends were gathered around her table.

At 40, with her characteristic courage and determination, mom finally learned to drive and began working at Cutters Lab and then she went to Levolor. She proudly worked at Levolor for 20 years. Throughout her life, she was her husband’s constant support—during his work at the Ogden Police Department, his coaching and mentoring youth, his service as a Roy City councilman, and his time as Mayor. She stood beside him with strength, grace, and unwavering loyalty. The saying goes that behind every good man stands a good woman, and mom embodied that truth wholeheartedly.

Her faith grounded her throughout her life. As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in various assignments touching the lives of all those she came in contact with during her callings. Together, she and dad served a three year working mission at the Ogden LDS Cannery where they met many friends and labored to serve our Heavenly Father in providing food staples to those in need.

Mom and Dad shared a love for travel, especially journeys back to her homeland. They introduced their children and grandchildren to Germany’s rich history, breathtaking beauty, and cherished family roots. The memories from those travels became priceless treasures—stories retold with warmth and joy.

Mom is survived by her children: Willard F. Cragun; Sabine and Bo Parker; Steve Cragun; and Chris and Tom Sackett; her brother, Horst Unfricht; her brothers-in-law Lee and Lynette Cragun, Liam Ryan, and Ray Davis; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and one great-grandson expected soon. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, her in-laws, her grandson Colton, and many dear friends who surely rejoiced at her arrival.

Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the friends, neighbors, and caregivers who offered compassion, dignity, and kindness—especially the staff of Bristol Hospice, Sunridge Assisted Living, the CNAs, and so many others who cared for mom during these tender final months.

A viewing will be held Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S 1900 W, Roy, Utah, followed by funeral services from 12:00–1:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Roy City Cemetery, 5200 S 2300 W, Roy, Utah.

Please help us celebrate Trudy's life by sharing memories and uploading photos to her memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com.