Rose Forman
Rose (Motyka) Forman, 103, of Ludington, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2026.
Rose was born on Feb. 12, 1923, in Amber Township, Mason County and was the proud daughter of Polish immigrants Joseph and Agnes (Zasadnia) Motyka. She celebrated the extraordinary milestone of becoming a centenarian in 2023, marking a century richly lived and deeply cherished.
Rose attended Eagle School and graduated from Ludington High School in 1942. She was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church and St. Simon Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister. She was also active in the Rosary Society and Catholic Daughters, and was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Rose devoted her life to her family as an exceptional mother, grandmother, and homemaker. In addition, she worked at JC Penney in Ludington for 25 years and served her community as an election worker for 25 years. Her generous spirit was evident in her many volunteer roles, including at Memorial Medical Center, as a Girl Scout Leader, and as an assistant 4-H leader.
Raised on a farm, Rose developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors and learned the value of dedication and hard work at an early age. She took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens and became affectionately known as the “Peony Lady.” She loved spending time in her kitchen, baking and cooking for family and friends. During childhood, she discovered she had the unique ability to “witch a well,” a gift that continued to amaze onlookers, even at the age of 100.
Rose enjoyed more than 60 years of bowling, played numerous hands of Pinochle, learned to golf at the age of 72, and delighted in dancing to countless polkas. She never needed to be asked twice to accept a social invitation or to try something new. Her energy, enthusiasm, and appreciation for life never waned.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family, whom she lovingly referred to as her “biggest asset.” She is survived by her six children: Marcia (Roger – deceased) Hansen, George (Norena – deceased) Forman, Patricia (Joe – deceased) Yolich, Julie (Kevin (Skip)) Schroeder, Jean (Ed) Smith, and Mary Jo (Jim) Claire; nine grandchildren: Marc Hansen, Becky (Mark) Scott, Chris (Kim) Hansen, Michael (DeLynn) Forman, Amy (Brent) Yeager, Kaley (Fritz) Petersen, Tyler Schroeder, Taylor (Dan) Hurt, and Evan (Lauren) Kroeze, along with 10 great-grandchildren, and a special nephew and his wife, Larry and Jean Krupa.
Rose was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, John Motyka; her dear sister, Sophie Krupa; her cousin, Anne Masten, who was like a sister to her; and her special companion of eight years, Ken Thoreson, whom she met at age 89 and cherished until his passing in 2021.
Rose often said, “To have a friend is to be a friend,” and she truly lived those words. Deeply loved and admired, she was an inspiration to many. Rose was sincerely happy, resilient, kind-hearted, honest, selfless, and quick-witted. She will be profoundly missed, and her beautiful legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.
A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 11am at St. Simon Catholic Church, with Rev. Jacob Zemaitis presiding. Visitation begins at 10am at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Rose by extending a thoughtful act of kindness, as her life was defined by compassion, generosity, and love for others. You may donate to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were entrusted to Grace Funeral Home and Cremation Services, www.GraceCremations.com.
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