Kenneth Lee Croff, age 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24th, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona.

Ken was born to Ellis Luther and LeOla Verniece Hinkson Croff on February 25th,1943 in Wilmar, California. He was the third oldest of 6 children. Four boys (James, Ken, Dave, and Will) and two girls (Ellen and the late Donna).

As a youth, Ken was driven by his projects. He created with his hands, which carried into his adulthood. Ken loved to modify things with duct tape and silicone glue. Additionally, Ken played church fastpitch softball on his brother Jim’s team.

In college, Ken was an accomplished gymnast. His events were pommel horse and rings. 

Ken served a full-time proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brazil and loved speaking Portuguese with others. He was passionate about learning different languages and dabbled in Spanish as well.

He attended Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ and Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. Later Ken met his wife Deone Flake at a church singles group activity in Los Angeles, CA. Ken spent most of his career working with CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) in California; and eventually in Arizona where he retired. He had a knack for design.

Ken married Deone Flake on June 7, 1975, in the LDS Mesa Arizona Temple. They were blessed with three children: Brinton Croff (Amber Croff) of Springfield, Missouri; Karina Andersen (Robert Andersen) of Gilbert, Arizona; and Courtney Serra (Pete Serra) of Star, Idaho. Ken loved his children and eleven grandchildren. 

Ken had a passion for art. Painting was his true love. He could often be found painting in his room. His art ranged from landscapes to portraits. He lovingly sketched all his children’s wedding portraits and painted many grandchildren portraits as well.

With Ken’s eye for detail, he was often found at family gatherings with a video camera in hand. He documented many family events, from family reunions to dance recitals and ball games. In his retirement years Ken and Deone moved to Eagle, Idaho. He loved to watch the snow in the winter and would video the weather; document when the mail would come; and even videoed people who came to visit or work at the house. 

Ken loved to sing and participated in several church choirs including the Hymns of Thanksgiving and the Meridian LDS Temple groundbreaking ceremony. He would often audio record the choir practices so he could sing along and practice at home.

Later in life Deone and Ken served a couple’s mission for the Church in the Michigan Detroit Mission and served in the Boise, Idaho Temple as ordinance workers.

Ken was a one-of-a-kind, quirky guy who did not fear what others thought of him. A friend to all he met in his path and would always leave you with a smile. We will miss your dry humor and witty ways! We know he is having a joyful reunion with his wife, parents, and sister.

Funeral Service: Saturday May 10th, 2025, 12:00pm The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints  4346 S Val Vista Dr. Gilbert, AZ. 

Funeral arrangements by Meldrum Mortuary.