Denise (Lihme) McCroddan, age 85, of Springdale, Ark., was called home to be with the Lord on Oct. 31, 2026. Born in Elgin, Ill., on June 7, 1941, Denise dedicated her life to Christ as a teenager and remained active in ministry her entire life. She lived in Pagosa Springs, Colo., from 1987 through 1995.
She married Donald McCroddan on June 8, 1963. Together, they shared 39 years of marriage and raised two sons while stationed across the globe during Don’s Navy career. Denise was deeply passionate about children’s ministry, serving faithfully with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) for more than 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; stepmother; and two of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Mark (Jennifer) McCroddan and Stephen (Leslie) McCroddan; grandchildren, Emalie (Austin) Smith and Evan McCroddan; sister, Lori (John) Manninen; sisters-in-law, Ethel Dunbar and Doris (Don) Soule; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
No formal service is planned; a private service will be held. Tributes may be shared online at McCroddan.com. Memorial contributions in Denise’s honor may be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship at www.coloradocef.org/donate (designated for the Southwest Chapter).
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