Elsa O. Croucher

Elsa O. Croucher, 78, of Monroe, died Thursday, April 19, 2018, at her home. She was born in Granger County, Tennessee on January 7, 1940 to parents Johnnie and Sallie (Singleton) Coffey.

Jim & Elsa Croucher were nationally recognized speakers and pioneers in their work against domestic violence and dating abuse. In 1996, four years after the death of their daughter, Tina, who was murdered by an abusive ex-boyfriend, they established Citizens Against Domestic Violence. They presented "Dating Violence: 101" to over one hundred thousand junior high, high school, and college students. In 2009, the Tina Croucher Act was passed that requires dating abuse/healthy relationship education in 7 - 12th grades in all Ohio Schools. The Crouchers provided moving testimony to the legislators in both the Ohio House and Senate. Ohio was among the first states in the nation to pass this type of law.

Through the years the Crouchers received numerous awards, among them - the Sunshine Lady Foundation "National Peace Award" given by Doris Buffett, Warren Buffett's sister and The Cleveland Domestic Violence Center "Break the Silence Award." The Ohio Domestic Violence Network established the Croucher Family Award in 2013 in honor of the Croucher's dedicated and tireless efforts. Jim & Elsa received the inaugural award which goes to a person or organization that exhibits outstanding advocacy.

Individually, Elsa received the "Integrity" Award presented by the Butler County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, the Soroptimist International "Ruby Award" for outstanding work to improve the lives of women. The AK Steel "Steel Magnolia Award" presented to women who have overcome obstacles to positively impact the community, and she was chosen as one of Nabisco's "100 Extraordinary Women", a national award given for excellence in development, innovation, and administration of programs and in victim advocacy.

Mrs. Croucher is survived by her daughter, Terri (Bob) Evick; son, Tim (Melanie) Croucher; sisters, Velva Warwick & Pauline Clement; grandchildren, Rob Evick, Tyler Evick, Kassie (Nathanael) Harney, Ryan (Amber) Jones, Sarah (Jeff) Washburn & Molly Croucher; step grandchildren, Kevin Crozier & Kristen Crozier; great grandchildren, Braylen & Raena Evick, Liam & McKenna Harney, Booker James & Konnie Jones; step great grandchild, Rogan McKnight; as well as many other loving family & friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Croucher; daughters, Tina Suzanne Croucher & Connie S. Jones; daughter-in-law, Linda Croucher; parents; sisters, Iva Ward, Pearl Lawson & Gynette Denton; and brothers, A.T. Coffey, Bill Coffey & Johnny Coffey.

Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 10:00 am at Breiel Church, 2000 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown with Pastor Wes Duff officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at the church. Entombment will be at Woodside Mausoleum.

Memorial donations may be made to The Center for Family Solutions, Domestic Violence Awareness, 400 N. Erie Hwy, Suite C, Hamilton, Ohio 45011 – OR - Breiel Church, 2000 N. Breiel Blvd., Middletown, OH 45042.