Kathy Ann Cronemiller (Rochelle) of Midwest City, Oklahoma passed away while holding her husband's hand on Thursday, December 24 ^th , 2020 in Carrollton, Texas. She received an invitation to Jesus' birthday and for once, she wasn't late.

Kathy was born in Salt Lake City, UT on March 11, 1956. She spent her early years in Durant, OK with her parents, Gene and Wanda Rochelle. At the age of five, her family moved to Lawton, OK where she spent most of her childhood with her siblings, Tina, Reba and Robin, as well as countless friends. The family attended Western Hills Church of Christ in Lawton and have many special memories of the church. She also spent much of her youth visiting her Grandparents' homes in Achille, OK and Hopkins, MO. These visits to her grandparents usually included visits with cousins…lots of cousins. Kathy loved having a big family and always made sure to stay connected to everyone. Between school, church and family, Kathy was always surrounded by children. She developed a love for children at an early age that never faded.  When asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she often replied, "A Mommy". She was truly a mother to everyone she loved.

After graduating from Lawton High School, Kathy married Jeff Erwin and had a daughter, Rachel Erwin. Though their marriage ended, Kathy stayed close to the Erwin family. Once you were a part of her family, you always remained, no matter the circumstances.

Shortly after, Kathy met the man she was destined to be with, Lynn Foster Cronemiller III. Lynn also had a daughter, Misty Cronemiller, from his previous marriage and it was not long until the four became inseparable. Kathy loved Misty from the moment they met and would often declare that she and Lynn had to marry because Rachel and Misty fell in love. They married on April 1 ^st , 1983 and later that same year, had a daughter together, Joanna Cronemiller, and their family was complete.

Kathy continued to add to her family and in 1984, opened her first childcare center, Kinder Castle Preschool in Midwest City, OK. This soon became the central point in her life. Kathy loved being in childcare. She soon expanded and the company, Child Care Inc., grew to a large corporation with six locations adding Acorn Children's Center in 1988, Children's Lighthouse I, II, & III in 1992 and Linwood Early Learning Center in 2007. Child Care Inc. has provided care for thousands of children over the years and provided employment for hundreds of women, many of whom are still working for her today. She had an absolute love for the people who worked for her. They too are family, and many are close friends that remain dear to her.

Soon after opening her first childcare center, Kathy became a strong force in the childcare industry. She was a board member of the Oklahoma Child Care Association and a founding member of the National Child Care Association and a member of the National Early Childhood Professional Accreditation board. She continuously participated in Oklahoma early childhood initiatives such as the Oklahoma County Board of Governors, The Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness and the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation, and the OKDHS Child Care Advisory Board. But her largest impact was the guidance she gave her fellow childcare providers. She was determined that others should succeed in the industry too, because "it was good for kids"! She cared for all children, and not only those in her centers. She wanted parents to always have a safe place for their children to go and that was always the driving force in her life.

Kathy loved her work and was happiest when surrounded by children. She loved and adored her grandchildren the most. She had four grandchildren, Rhett Walker of Owasso and Reese Proper, Tess Proper and Finn Proper of Midwest City. Her home was a magical place specifically curated with them in mind and once they entered, they never wanted to leave. Her memory will live on through them and all the other children she encountered over the years.

She is survived by her husband, Lynn Cronemiller of Midwest City; her daughters, Misty Walker and husband John Walker of Owasso, Rachel Proper and husband Martin Proper of Midwest City and Joanna Cronemiller of Midwest City. Grandchildren Rhett Walker of Owasso, Reese Proper of Midwest City, Tess Proper of Midwest City and Finn Proper of Midwest City. She is also survived by her mother, Wanda Rochelle of Kingston and her sisters, Tina Cooper and husband Rick of Ada and Reba Rochelle of Lawton, and her brother, Robin Rochelle and wife Tammy of Apache, as well as her nieces and nephews, Ian Cooper of Shawnee, Jack Botkin of Altus, Jane Cooper of Ada, Choandra Rochelle, Dakota Rochelle and Trenton Rochelle of Big Bear, CA. She also has sister-in-law Jill Thompson with husband Terry and sons, David and John and sister-in-law Nancy DiBiaggio of Colorado.  She also leaves behind many other family members and dear friends.

Kathy is preceded in death by her father Gene Rochelle, grandparents Harvey and Verna Rochelle and grandparents Harold and Eula Crane and little brother, Perry Rochelle.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 8th from Noon to 9pm at Watts Funeral Home, 707 US Hwy 70 in Kingston, OK, followed by a private family service. A Memorial Service to celebrate Kathy's life will be held later in Oklahoma City in the Spring. We ask that flowers be reserved for that time. Donations for her medical fund can be made to gf.me/u/y6zdwt and are greatly appreciated.  Service will be under the direction of Watts Funeral Home, Madill, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.

Her family wishes to say thanks to everyone for praying for our family and for loving Kathy. She will be remembered for her contagious happiness, late night shopping trips, love for all things Disney and her wonderful obsession for the Beatles. She will mostly be remembered by the way she made us all feel safe, welcomed, and loved.