Rose Massa

BATTLE CREEK – Margaret “Rose” Massa, 93, passed away on October 14, 2020, at Reflections Memory Care in Battle Creek, Michigan.

She was born August 15, 1927 to Hubert and Ann (Orchulak) Pronier in Arma, Kansas.

On February 10, 1943, she married Victor “Buck” Massa in Wichita Falls, Texas. She lived on the Massa family farm in Mulberry, Kansas while Buck served in the Army during World War II. After the war, they moved to Battle Creek, where they resided for the remainder of their lives. Buck preceded her in death on April 4, 1995.

Rose was a homemaker, caring for her children and keeping a meticulously tidy home. Rose was involved in various organizations in the area, including scout troop leader, PTA, and other endeavors to support her children’s interests. She was a longtime bowler, participating in many leagues through the years at Springlake Lanes (in which Buck was a co-owner). She and Buck were also active members of Riverside Country Club, where she was involved in the Women’s Organization, serving on the Board, including as President. Rose, an avid gardener, took pride in her yard on the corner of Riverside and Meadow Drives, up until she moved to Lakeview Senior Living, then Reflections Memory Care. Her talent was recognized by earning the Beautiful Battle Creek Award twice.

Surviving are her children, John (Liz) Massa, Mary Lusk, and Richard (Sallie) Massa, all of Battle Creek; her grandchildren, Lisa (Joe) Shanks, Jeanna (Tim) McPherson, Marc Massa, Mark (Katrina) Laubengayer, Larry (Shelli) Laubengayer, and Jeff Brown all of Michigan, Kelli Lusk of Idaho, Kim (Rodney) Allgire of Ohio, and Justin Brown of Illinois; fifteen great-grandchildren; seven great, great-grandchildren; and her brothers Emil and Larry Pronier of Kansas.

She was preceded in death by her husband Victor, her parents, sisters Georgia, Lorraine, Evelyn, and son-in-law Jimmy Lusk.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or Habitat for Humanity.

Private funeral services will take place at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services, with inurnment at Fort Custer National Cemetery.