Machelle Croto

Machelle Lynn "Shelly" Croto, 52, of New Philadelphia, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026 at her residence following an extended illness. Born June 23, 1973 in Canton, she was a daughter of Sharon and Alan Nenning. She was employed providing after school day care and attended Faith Baptist Church in Zoar, where she was an active volunteer at the church.

A loving nana, mother, wife, sister, and friend, she will be missed by her life partner David Croto, her children Courtney Fletcher of New Philadelphia, Shelby (Luis) Cumba of Carrollton, Joseph Croto of New Philadelphia, David (Destiny) Croto of Newcomerstown, Catherine (Dakota) Poole of Dover and Jamie Eichel of Dover; 2 grandchildren Jackson Hooks and Astella Croto; Siblings Eddie Lee Sexton, Astelle May Sexton, William Lee Sexton, Sherry Sexton, Charles Kenneth Sexton, James Joseph Sexton, Christopher Lee Isenberg, Lonnie Lee Sandoval and Kimberly Dawn Jarvis.

Shelly enjoyed nature, flowers, fishing, kayaking, hiking, swimming and camping. Her favorite flower was lilies, whom after she named her beloved dog. She loved art and drawing. She loved music and dancing. She loved cards and coffee around the kitchen table. She loved bowling and coaching her children through sports. Volunteering at schools, churches, camps and her community, her selflessness knew no bounds. She loved games and pranks and jokes, her infectious laughter and sense of humor not soon forgotten. Above all, she loved with her whole heart.

Shelly had a capacity for love that radiated and touched the lives of everyone she met. Loud and vivacious. Kind and gentle. Strong and brave. Humble and honest. Patient and forgiving. She saved lives. She found many at their lowest and gave them everything, even if all she had to give was hope. She inspires still. She was "mom" to all. She treated every child she'd meet, even as she herself was a child, as if they were her own. No one in her presence went without. She friended strangers and made them family. And she loved her family like no words could ever describe.

Anyone who knows her, knows she was a force of nature itself. Monumental and profound. Unapologetically herself, she died as she lived, on her own terms defying all doctor's expectations.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing"

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Faith Baptist Church in Zoar. Pastor Floyd Stanfill will officiate and burial will follow at Fort Laurens Cemetery in Bolivar. Friends may call Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services at 11:00 AM. The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements.