Patricia Ann Croft

CROFT, Patricia A "Patty", of Beavercreek, OH passed away suddenly and peacefully May 26, 2016, at her apartment at 10 Wilmington Place. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Ora L. "Jim" Croft; her parents, Bernard and Amelia (Pyles) Cramer; and her brother Bernard "Ben" Cramer. A life-long resident of the Dayton area, Patty began her education at Our Lady of Rosary, graduated from St. Anthony Elementary, attended at Julienne High School and graduated from St. Joseph's Commercial High School; and then furthered her education at the University of Dayton.

Patty had a strong work ethic, and enjoyed a long (30+ year) and distinguished career as an Association Executive for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA), Dayton Association of Life Underwriters, Central Life Underwriters, and other professional associations. Under Patty’s leadership, the association grew by 465 members to its highest-ever membership! In 2007, with endorsements from 24 past and current presidents, she was honored with the prestigious C. Carney Smith Award, a national award for outstanding NAIFA executives. Among her many accomplishments at NAIFA over the years, Patty mentored numerous local leaders to state positions; planned and chaired annual meetings; and ultimately transitioned the organization from the pre-technology era (i.e., a mimeograph machine and a manual typewriter with a missing key) to a fully-automated, computerized system. She also received the Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1980, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Dayton Chapter CLU and ChFC.

Patty was a devoted 25-year member of Chapter AK of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a Philanthropic Educational Organization dedicated to helping women achieve their educational goals, where she served on many levels as officers, including chapter President. She was also active in the Beavercreek Women’s League and a long-time volunteer at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Beavercreek.

Patty had many interests over the years, including her involvement in the Safari Club, square dancing, sewing/quilting, reading/learning, and creating recipes (her legendary bread-and-butter pickles were coveted gifts). An amazingly-devoted mother and wife, Patty will be remembered fondly for her graciousness, hospitality, intelligence, and event planning prowess. Patty had a superb dry wit, and provided lots of levity among her family and friends. She loved well and lived well, and we will miss her.

Patty is survived by her brother and sister-in-law Robert and Joyce Cramer, sister-in-law Marilyn Cramer; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Judy Croft (Beavercreek), son Thomas Croft and son-in-law Lloyd Miller (Bronxville, NY), daughter and son-in-law Catherine and Robert Roalef (Centerville), son and daughter-in-law Daniel and Lucy Croft (Atlantic Beach, FL); granddaughters Michelle (Will) Shula (Albany, OR), and Elisabeth Croft (Beavercreek); great-grandchildren Dylan, Dalton, Kaelyn Croft, and Liam Shula; and many other relatives and friends.

Friends may visit the family Tuesday May 31, 2016 from 5-8 p.m at Tobias Funeral Home, Beavercreek Chapel, 3970 Dayton- Xenia Rd, Beavercreek. Prayers will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 9:30 am at the Tobias Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m at St. Luke Catholic Church, 1440 N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. The family wishes to express a special thank you to all the staff of 10 Wilmington Place for their care and kindness. If desired, donations in memory of Patty may be made to the P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education at www.peointernational.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.