Rose M. Smolka

Rose M. Smolka, age 87 of Mishawaka, passed away, Friday afternoon January 17th surrounded by loved ones, in her home.

She was born November 22, 1937, in Bryan, Ohio to Donald and Elsie (Belknap) Humbarger. A 1955 Bryan High School graduate. On June 16, 1979, she married her soulmate, James Smolka. They shared 45 wonderful years together. She was always busy and productive in gardening, canning, volunteering, owning a restaurant (Newsstand Bryan 1950s), working at the Beehive (Sherwood 1960s), Bill Knapp’s (Roseland 1970s) and retired from Aramark (formally FW Means South Bend 1970s-1990s) She spent several years serving as the Teamsters Union Stewart. She was an exceptional organizer and generously hosted family reunions and holiday gatherings for her large family, often reaching 50 plus in attendance. An avid cook and baker known for her made from scratch meals and desserts. A proud wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who always found time to share her love, mentoring, nurturing and strong set of family values. Rose had a tremendous work ethic, she recognized what needed to be done and she did it, often called Johnny-on-the-Spot.   She enjoyed sports, board games and cards. She was an amazing woman that epitomized happiness and enjoyed life.

She is survived by five sons, Robert (Janet) Singer Jr. of Montpelier, Ohio, Mark Singer of Osceola, Indiana, Steven (Sheryl) Singer of Green Cove Springs, Florida, David (Jane) Singer of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and Scott (Jennifer) Singer of South Bend, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and one brother Rex (Judith) Humbarger of Niles, Ohio.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters Carman (Carrie) Francell Vansycle, Betty Sanchez, Joanne Skeens, Dawn Roberts, Carol Humbarger, brothers, Donald, Duane, and Richard Humbarger.

A visitation will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday January 25, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN.  Funeral services for Rose will follow at 11 a.m., in the funeral home, with burial to conclude at Sumption Prairie Cemetery, South Bend, IN. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Van Andel Institute at https://www.vai.org/ or checks can be left at the Funeral Home or mailed to 333 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. To send online condolences, please visit http://www.kaniewski.com.

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