Claudia Spencer Knaizuk, 84, of Council Bluffs, IA, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, in Rexburg, ID. She was well-loved by many and will be missed by those who had the chance to know her.

Claudia was born in Ogden, UT, to Clyde and Alice Spencer, their first child and only daughter. Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Paul and his wife Eleanor Spencer, and her son-in-law Paul George. She is survived by her husband John, her children Leslie George, Dereck Knaizuk, and Tania (Joe) Marino; her two brothers Harold (Connie) Spencer, and Bill (Pam) Spencer; and her beloved dog Sadie. Claudia had 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Claudia was a high school graduate who would have thoroughly enjoyed the rigors of college had she attended. Regardless of formal education, Claudia was exceptionally competent at anything she tried. She cut hair for the guys in the family for decades, and was adept at home perms for the ladies in the '80s. She had an extraordinary and seemingly effortless green thumb and loved to crochet baby blankets, long still beloved by their recipients, for all the new babies in the family, for friends, and donations.

Claudia was a life-long active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, mostly in the Relief Society and Primary organizations. She made many dear friends through those opportunities and was known for her compassionate and thoughtful service. She enjoyed family history and especially serving as a temple worker in the Winter Quarters Temple in Omaha, NE. She shares direct lineage with Mormon pioneer Captain Daniel C. Davis who settled Davis County, UT.

While living in western NY, Claudia (and John) volunteered on the Oswego County Pioneer Land Search and Rescue Team (where John was a founding member in 1971). OCPSAR was citizen-created only a few months after a young boy was lost—and never found—in the Adirondack Mountains where limited emergency services were available for any such situation then. They proudly worked and served with this group until moving to upstate NY, and often recounted fond memories of their time and friends there.

Claudia will always be remembered for her ability to make friends anywhere, love of being silly and fun, and fierce and formidable play on frequent family game nights. Claudia maintained many lifelong friendships that she cherished, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her. A viewing was held in Idaho on December 27, 2023, at Flamm Funeral Home. Claudia will be laid to rest near her parents and grandparents in the Washington Heights Memorial Park cemetery in South Ogden, UT.