Rose Bradley
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the life of Rose Marie Bradley, age 90, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who peacefully entered into her savior’s presence from her home at Grace Village Retirement Community, Winona Lake, on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Born on Dec. 15, 1934, in Canton, Ohio, Rose was the youngest of three siblings. Her talents and creativity in sewing, quilting, ceramics, knitting, crocheting, gardening, drama and countless other endeavors made her a remarkable homemaker and an inspiration to many; her family members have many cherished gifts that she crafted for them.
Rose married Robert D. Bradley on Sept. 10, 1955, in Canton, Ohio, and together they built a life filled with faith, family and service. In 1964, Rose was led to trust Jesus as her savior by Pastor and Mrs. Earl Umbaugh, and Bob also made the decision for eternal salvation the same day. Rose and Bob made the decision to raise their four children in a Christian home — a commitment that shaped their family’s values for generations. Rose also lovingly cared for her aging parents while raising her own family, exemplifying selflessness and compassion.
Though trained as a registered nurse, Rose put her career on hold to devote herself fully to her family before returning to nursing when her oldest graduated from high school. Later, she joined Bob in their family insurance adjusting business and assisted him as he traveled to catastrophe losses.
Moves through the years took Rose and Bob to various churches; in Ohio, Graham Road Baptist in Cuyahoga Falls and County Line Baptist in Beavercreek; and in Indiana, Grace Baptist in Gary, Calvary Baptist in Highland and Liberty Bible in Chesterton. Rose faithfully served in church ministries including Jet Cadets, Awana youth group, vacation Bible school, committees and hospitality, serving behind the scenes and in support roles, touching many lives with her kindness and willing service.
In 2014, Rose and Bob moved together to Grace Village in Winona Lake. Bob succumbed to cancer a few months after their move, but Rose continued courageously on as a new widow, forging friendships and living out her faith with warmth, generosity and humor. Though she endured many health challenges over the years, Rose chose joy and gratefulness, encouraging others through her strong testimony of her savior’s love and faithfulness, thoughtful gifts and notes, a ministry of prayer, faithfulness in gatherings, and kind acts of service to family members, fellow residents and staff alike.
Rose was a beloved mamaw/grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. She is survived by Debbie Hickman, Warsaw, Diana (Gary) Moore, Howard City, Mich., Tim (Cindy) Bradley, Warsaw, and Mike (Rebecca) Bradley, Rockford, Mich.; along with 13 grandchildren; and 30 great-grandchildren.
Grandchildren include Jenny (Jason) Hickman, Donna (Michael) Grinnell, Alex (Meghan) Bradley, Kim (George) Powell, Karalise (Malachi) Pratt, Hannah (Geoffre) Trimble, Tim Jr. (Mary) Bradley, Emma (Enoch) Hartung, Shane (Marie) Bradley, Clayton Moore, Micah (Katie) Bradley, Shelby Bradley and Ben Bradley.
Great-grandchildren include Hayley, Ethan, Colton, Jason Jr., Damien, Zach, Faith, Liam, Bradley and Quinn; Isaiah; Shiloh, Asher, Titus, Ian, Natalie, Eli, Eliza, Silas and Elsie; Nathanael, Roane, Ford, Dawson, Emilia, Joe, Alma and Elijah.
She was preceded in death by her dearly loved husband, Robert D. Bradley; her parents, Walter O. Piero and Ruth A. Piero; her siblings, Wreta Mondock and Walter R. Piero; great-grandchildren, Shawn Westerman and Chloee Compton; and nephews, Tommy Mondok and Tommy Piero.
A fantastic cook, creative crafter, avid table game player and Pepsi enthusiast, Rose delighted in simple pleasures and always sought to uplift those around her. In keeping with her generous spirit, she donated her body to the Anatomical Education Program at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Memorial gifts in Rose’s honor can be made to the Grace Village Caring Friends Fund at 337 Grace Village Drive, Winona Lake, IN 46590. Though she will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing she is the presence of her savior and reunited with loved ones.
A memorial service honoring Rose’s memory and celebrating her life will be held at the Grace Village Chapel at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, with a dessert reception following.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
