On August, 14, 2026, Nona Ruth Van Buskirk Croskey left her earthly home for the journey to join her husband, Dean L. Croskey, to their heavenly destination. He preceded her in death on January 23, 2016 after a lively 68 years of marriage. Nona and Dean both outlived all of their siblings.

Nona was a life long resident of the Toledo area with the last 45 years lived in Holland, Ohio. Born into our midst on October 24, 1927, she was a part of the “greatest generation”. She was the only one of her siblings to graduate from high school in 1946 from Burnham High School. Her first career was as a long distance telephone operator at Ohio Bell Telephone Company where she wore her hair like Lily Tomlin playing Ernestine, the operator. She and her sister, Mary, who preceded her in death, rode the Shortway bus to downtown Toledo to dance the night away at the Trianon Ballroom. When Dean returned in 1946 from his Army service in World War II they married on a June day in 1947.

Nona was a determined, independent woman who was persevering, responsible and caring. She also was not afraid to speak her mind and to express articulately what she saw as the best approach to any situation. Nona, of course, possessed a quick witted sense of humor.

Consequently, she collected a wonderful constellation of friends and you know who you are. She made life better for many---because she was good at it. An outstanding church family at Living Faith United Methodist Church from the youngest to the oldest of the congregation benefited for years from her creative and timeless efforts in many activities and projects. A bright light was fostered in the lives of all who knew her. Even greater is the human legacy of respect, love and admiration held by everyone she ever met.

In younger years, Nona, along with her husband, Dean, took the entire family on numerous adventures across the United States, Mexico and Canada. She was additionally active in her four children's lives encompassing room mother, PTA meetings, den mother for Cub Scouts, 4-H advisor, and car driver to many childhood activities not to mention doing all of this while running a household, a mini-farm and managing Dean's plumbing business. Her movie camera of the 1960's was always ready to record all the Kodak moments, especially birthday parties, that we all recall with bittersweet pleasure and have tons of photo albums as proof. These shared years of love and many awe-inspiring events will be cherished by her four children, Ray (Ruby) Croskey, Rebekah Sawyer, Cindy Hollingshead and Tim (CD) (Deborah Hill) Croskey who survive her.

Despite busy family life, Nona found the time and energy to pursue several varied careers over the years. She never lost her desire to learn. Her endeavors in the outside work world included Hickory Farms, Wickes Lumber, Lion Store, Foodtown as a check processor and office work at quite a few temporary agencies. During it all she even found time to enroll in cosmetology school that led to certification. (Hair styles of the beehive & petals were always her favorite.) But, perhaps, most of all, she especially enjoyed her position of 26 years as the office manager of King Psychiatric Clinic.

Her life was made up of a plethora of activities & interests. She hosted a Halloween extravaganza for years at her home with stuffed animals and hand made crocheted pumpkins filled with treats for 100+ children. As years have passed some of those children now brave that scary night with their own children. She searched everywhere for clothes and shoes for the homeless, for the Cherry Street Mission and Proclaim FM along with donating inspirational books to Wonder Ministry. Becoming proficient on her computer from studies at Lourdes College she led and daily contacted 40 of her church members in a prayer and information chain as well as hosted Bible Study in her home. An excellent bowler on leagues at RCR for years she was proud of her extensive collection of bowling trophies despite never achieving a perfect game. She also enjoyed bunco for years with a group of special ladies. Beyond these talents, she was skilled at calligraphy and lettered hundreds of wedding and graduation invitations for family and friends before computers took over. And, who can forget line dancing at Strawberry Acres Lodge?

Nona was a big music fan & was an Eddy Arnold lover and later was crazy for George Strait. Being an avid reader she easily read in the range of 200+ books per year that she then passed on to family and friends. Most special was her talent to crochet hundreds of hand made afghans including Teddy Bear baby afghans that were gifted to new babies, family members, friends and even to the interdisciplinary team of Doctors & nurses, in particular those who were instrumental players in her status as a breast cancer survivor. If you are fortunate enough to have one of her precious afghans—in days to come—snuggle in and think of her often. Better yet, bring it to the celebration. Finally, she had a natural exuberance that defied her chronological age.

Nona is gone, but her legacy is not. She will be greatly missed and honored by survivors; four children as mentioned, 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, god-daughter, Cheryl Growden, and of course, friends too numerous to count. She was grateful for the kaleidoscopic variety that each of you played on her journey---whether it was a moment or a lifetime; it was meaningful to her. As each of you continue your own journey, be kind to those around you. Share your smile. And, always be gentle with yourself; for it is truly a beautiful world.

Near the other end of life's rainbow, she noted, “All in all, I have had a wonderful life. Thank you all for being a part of it. When death appeared at my door I was expecting it and I put on my dancing shoes and went.” Good bye with love, Nona.

Should you choose to remember Nona with an expression of love please consider a contribution in her memory to Wonder Ministries.

A joyous celebration will be held at The Dwelling Place at 8201 Angola Road in Holland, Ohio. A fellowship hour at 10:00AM with service starting at 11:00AM has been scheduled for Saturday, August, 29, 2026. Pastor David Carpenter officiating.