Roseley (Tinker) Garza

Although she was petite in stature, it wasn’t difficult to know when Roseley (Tinker) Garza was in the room. Whether it was her big hair and big glasses, her insatiable laughter, or her strong opinions, she was a little lady with a lot of spunk. Roseley was a woman who was comfortable in her own skin and most comfortable in her own home as well. She always made sure she looked her best and was a snappy dresser, always coordinated to the nines. Rose was both a devoted mother and a career woman with no plans to retire if only due to sheer determination. Even when she became engaged in the fight for her life, she never wallowed in self-pity or got bogged down with the details of her affliction. Like everything else in her life, Rose simply put forth her best effort while continuing to embrace those she held most dear.

During a year in which “The Honeymooners” delighted television audiences, the first experimentally safe polio vaccine was developed, and the unemployment rate was just over three percent, 1952 was a great year to be an American. This was also an exciting time in the family of Stanley and Margarete (Heck) Tinker as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Roseley, on August 13th. Roseley was born in Brückenau, Germany as her father serving in the military at the time of her birth. When she was just one year old, her family moved to Paw Paw, Michigan after her father was discharged. Roseley was later joined in her family by two siblings and was raised in a structured and even strict home as is often the case in military families. Her father worked at Brown Paper Mill and Rose attended Paw Paw Schools where she was a good student. She also enjoyed playing tennis and even as a young girl, was very neat and organized.

The year 1970 was a significant one for Rose as it was the year in which she graduated from high school and also met the man with whom she would start a family. His name was Gene Kester and he was six years her senior. They met while playing tennis and after a whirlwind romance, the couple was married on November 15th of that same year. Just a short time later the couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Gabe, in 1972. Rose stayed home to care for her son and in 1974, they were blessed with a second son. Sadly, “Baby Boy Kester” died as an infant shortly after his birth. Although her marriage ended in divorce in 1975, Rose would be forever thankful for the son who came as a result of their union.

As a new single mother, Rose moved to the Kalamazoo area where she was actively involved in the life of her son throughout his life. She went to all of his Little League games and when he was on the high school football team, she was always in the stands with her mother beside her. Gabe also made such fond memories when they played cards as a family every Sunday night. Rose was in for a delightful surprise when she received a dozen roses with a card signed “Your Friendly Post Office Man.” Just the night before this charming man helped Rose look for some confidential items she had mistakenly put in the mailbox at the Miller Road Post Office. Although they never did find what they were looking for, Rose certainly made a lasting impression on Ray Garza’s heart. Out of that fateful evening a tender love story was born, and Rose and Ray were united in marriage in the Little Stone Chapel on Mackinac Island on June 17, 1984.

Soon after she became Mrs. Ray Garza, Rose set her job aside to help Ray raise his two sons, Raymond and Tony, for a short time. When she did return to the working world she developed a career at Landscape Forms for over 20 years. Rose worked as an administration assistant where she viewed her co-workers as extended family. Her job was a good fit for her since Rose was naturally organized and neat. In fact, looking into Rose’s closet one would think they were looking at display inside a department store as she had all of her belts rolled up in their specific place and everything arranged just so.

Although caring for her family and working certainly kept her busy, Rose enjoyed a variety of other things too. She absolutely loved reality shows (just like her daughter-in-law) as she loved being at home. The farthest Rose ever traveled from home was to see her son graduate from boot camp in San Diego, California. While there she made the most of it by taking in a baseball game and visiting the local zoo as well. Rose had a special place in her heart for Ray’s beloved Labrador named Max, and she also did some knitting and needlepoint too.

There were many things that made Rose so unique and for which she will be so cherished. She never left the house if her hair and makeup weren’t just perfect. Not even her own sister could see her looking less than her best. On the day of their mother’s funeral Rose rushed into the bathroom before her sister could catch a glimpse of her “bed head!” Although petite in stature, Rose was certainly not shy as she never hesitated to speak her mind. She was opinionated and even downright stubborn at times. Rose loved to laugh and often snorted when she laughed which caused even more fits of laughter. Additionally, she was prideful, private, and independent.

Roseley Garza was an extraordinary woman who always carried herself with strength accompanied by just the right amount of grace. Even as she was battling cancer she never wanted others to worry about her and didn’t like asking for help. Rose will be remembered for her ability to organize everything and her need to always look her best from head to toe. Although life was not always easy for her, she faced each challenge head on and remained focused at overcoming what stood in her way. As Rose’s family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever treasure the moments they were given to share with such a true beauty.

Roseley M. Garza died on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009 in Kalamazoo. Rose’s family includes her son, Gabe (Diana) Kester; her father, Stanley “Fred” Tinker; 2 siblings: Dennis Tinker and Melinda (Dale) Gribler; 5 nieces and nephews: Cher, Steve, Vicki, Greg and Derek. Rose was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Garza; an infant son; her mother, Margarete Tinker; and by a nephew, Jason Gribler. Services will be held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home – Kalamazoo, MI; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900. A luncheon will follow in the Life Story Center and burial will take place at Prospect Cemetery, Lawrence. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign her memory book before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the West Michigan Cancer Center.