Rozella M. VanCleave, 90, of Milford and formerly of rural Silver Lake, Indiana passed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at her residence.
Rozella was born on June 17, 1935, in Silver Lake, Indiana, to the late Wilfred J. and Alice (Murphy) Gagnon. She graduated from Burket High School in 1953. On October 23 of that same year, she married Max J. VanCleave at the Silver Creek Church of God. They shared a devoted life together until his passing on July 17, 2005.
Faith was the foundation of Rozella’s life. A lifelong member of the Silver Creek Church of God, she and Max served together in Jail Ministries, sharing their love for God with those in need. In later years, she worshiped at Abundant Life Assembly of God in Warsaw. She was also a dedicated member of the Gideon Auxiliary International.
Rozella worked side by side with her husband on the family farm and spent many years driving a school bus for the Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation. She later retired from Helser Metal Finishing in Warsaw. Her heart for service extended into her volunteer work at Greencroft, where she enjoyed giving her time to others.
Above all, Rozella cherished her family. She loved being outdoors, especially when she could spend time mowing. She found joy in reading, playing board games, and traveling—particularly through her involvement with the Gideons and REMC.
She is survived by her daughters Deanna and husband Dwayne Robinson of Windsor, South Carolina, Charlene and husband Terry Chambers of Logansport, Jo Ellen Mangus of Pierceton, and Sheena and husband Taylor Whitaker of Milford; sons Rick and wife Lynnette VanCleave of Akron, Michael and wife Cheryl VanCleave of Nashville, Ind., Scott and wife Jen VanCleave of Silver Lake; 16 Grandchildren; 23 Great Grandchildren; and a Great Great Grandson; sisters Joyce and husband Robert Shafer of Warsaw, Carolyn Miller of Akron, and Pat and husband Rodney Weaver of Goshen; and brother William and wife Sue Ellen Gagnon of Silver Lake.
Rozella was preceded in death by her parents, husband, granddaughters Andrea VanCleave and Samantha Hardin, step father Cyrus Tullis, and brother-in-law Gene Miller.
The funeral service will take place at 1:00 pm, Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Silver Creek Church of God 6504 W 1300 S, Silver Lake, Indiana with Pastors Taylor Whitaker, Mike VanCleave, and Rick VanCleave.
The interment will take place following the service in the Silver Creek Cemetery, Silver Lake, Indiana.
Visitation hours will be held from 11 am to 1 pm, Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Silver Creek Church of God.
Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to Gideons International P.O. Box 308 Akron, IN 46910.
