Rita “Rochelle” Croff, 85, of Traverse City, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Munson Medical Center, joining her beloved husband of 64 years, James D. Croff, in eternity.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, to Wendell Morgan “Mike” and Rose Ellen Ketchpaw, Rochelle was raised in Ypsilanti and attended Cleary College. She was very fond of her brother Michael (Shirley) Ketchpaw of Vero Beach, Florida. They created countless joyful memories during their visits and vacations together.

Rochelle married James on June 3, 1961, raising three children: James Brien Croff, Kelleen “Kelley” Marie (Brian) Tolle, and Thomas Michael (Tracy) Croff. In 1969, the family moved north to Cadillac, relocating to Traverse City in 1976, where Rochelle worked for years as a Munson Medical Center administrative assistant. Rochelle sang with the Sweet Adelines, loved camping, and was an active member of Community of Joy and Faith Reformed Church.

She loved cooking and baking, and lived by the motto, “Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first!”

Above all, she loved her family and was immensely proud of her seven grandchildren: Brien Croff, Danielle Croff Barger, Jansen Tolle, Morgan Tolle, Evan Tolle, Hayden Croff, and Ashley Croff; and her three great-grandchildren: Aurora, Atlas, and Oliver.

In accordance with her wishes, Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home is handling her cremation. No formal funeral service will be held, and her ashes will be scattered with her husband's at a private family ceremony this summer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any organization supporting Alzheimer’s research, family education, support, and respite care.