Rosa M. Peña Sierk

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rosa M. Peña Sierk on June 26, 2026. After 105 blessed years, she is at rest and watching over us all.

Rosa is survived by her grandchildren Noreen (Rob) Organek, Laurie (Jay Martinez) Blase, Michael (Heather) Blase, Henry Craig (Elizabeth) Sierk, Kelly Shepherd, niece Ida (Steve) Bender, and her son-in-law Bill Kempf.

To her hijitos in Michigan, who lovingly called her GG (great grandma), she held a special place in the hearts of Samantha Organek, Rebecca Organek, Zackary Blase, Noah Blase, and Tara Blase, all of whom cared deeply for her.

To her family in her beloved Indiana, she leaves behind Jenny (Steve) Perek, Jonathan Bender, Jeremy (Alisa) Bender, Jessica (Greg) Myers, Kailie Shepherd, John Shepherd, and Miles Sierk.

Rosa is preceded in death by her husband of over 25 years, Rudy Sierk, who passed away in 1986. She is also preceded in death by her daughter Gloria Blase, son-in-law Michael R. Blase, son Henry Sierk, and great granddaughter Sophia Sierk.

Born in Santa Fe, Panamá, she was one of several siblings who grew up on a farm. Rosita provided for her family from her early days, as she lost her mom at just two years old and could only attend school up until the second grade. She then relocated to Colón, Panamá, to create a better life for her two young children and find opportunities for the family.

On a chance encounter while working as a nurse’s aide, Rosa met Rudy. He was the love of her life, and she took care of him that day in the hospital and every day after that. He made several trips to Panamá to visit, and the two knew they would spend the rest of their lives together. When Rudy asked her to move to his farm in Indiana, she said not before they were married! The two married in 1960, moved to Milford, Indiana, with her children, and began the life she always dreamed of.

In 1995, Rosa relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Although she resided there for 31 years, nothing (and we mean nothing) compared to Indiana. GG would tell us everything was better in Indiana: the corn, the coffee, the rain, the food… everything! Her heart longed to return to her farm one day.

Over the course of 105 years, she survived global pandemics and world wars, witnessed the world change in countless ways, never once losing her faith. Through it all, she was one of the bravest, fiercest, and most determined people you would ever want to meet. She would often call her family “Strong like bull”, but no one was as strong as her. GG had a loving soul and made the time she had with you feel like nothing and no one else mattered but you.

Her deep devotion to prayer, to God, her faith, is a testament to her loving soul. Her daily rosary always had one of us in her thoughts. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and tradition, which are gifts we will eternally be grateful for.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 11am-12pm. At Sacred Heart Church, 125 N. Harrison St. Warsaw, IN 46580 in the narthex.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held immediately following the visitation.

Stoney Point Cemetery- the family will proceed to the cemetery for a graveside prayer.

Luncheon- please join the family back at Sacred Heart in the Parish Hall located in the school gymnasium.

Arrangements are entrusted to Titus Funeral Home, 2000 Sheridan Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.