Wilda Lynne Rozyla

Wilda (Arthur) Rozyla passed away peacefully Thursday, February 4, 2016 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho with family members by her side. Wilda was born December 23, 1923 in Rose City, Michigan to Frank and Mildred (Alderton) Arthur. The family moved throughout Michigan and Wilda attended schools in the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan, graduating from Stambaugh High School. In 1944 Wilda joined the US Navy WAVES serving from 1944 1946 with the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery in Washington, DC. Honorably discharged, Wilda continued in the Reserves while she attended Central Michigan College of Education (Mt. Pleasant, MI) graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts. At Central Michigan she met the love of her life, Leo H. Rozyla. Leo was the pitcher for the Central Michigan Baseball team and she has shared many fond memories of baseball throughout their college years. They were married, September 30, 1949 and upon graduation, Leo was signed with the Yankee Farm Club, taking the young couple to Burlington, VT and throughout the eastern states. Eventually returned to a "normal" life moving to Flint, Michigan where Leo accepted a teaching position and they began their family. As the family grew, Leo accepted a position with General Motors in Saginaw where they made their home for the rest of their married lives. When the children were young, Wilda was a stay at home mom. She worked part time in Real Estate, as a Substitute Teacher in the Saginaw School District and as an English teacher for remedial English at Delta College Her passion was high school languages and when all the kids were in school, Wilda accepted a full time position with the Saginaw Township District teaching French, Spanish, Latin and English French and Spanish were the most enjoyable for her because "it was an elective and the kids were excited to be there". She chaperoned many trips to Paris, and quite a few of her students have shared their fond memories of those trips. During this time she continued her education and in 1977 graduated with a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan. Wilda led by example, her priorities were always God and family. She was the mom who always had a listening ear for the neighborhood kids, and throughout the years it wasn't uncommon to find a teenager with disagreements at home, staying at the Rozyla house. It was a strict environment, but a loving respite for those in need. Three exchange students stayed with the family throughout the 70s. Mia DeSmet Vandesande and Paul DeSmet still call her mom. Mom attended their weddings, vacations and welcomed them home each time they visited. Wilda was an active of First United Methodist Church from 1952 through 2000. She sang in the choir for more than 50 years, served on many boards, and made sure her family was actively engaged as well. She was involved in numerous volunteer organizations, PTAs and classroom volunteering for her children's schools, alumni associations for Central Michigan University and University of Michigan, teacher's organizations and a stint as President of the Saginaw Women's Garden Club. Leo predeceased her December18, 1996. They lost their son Scott Arthur at the age of 6 on January 1, 1962. She follows her parents, and her sister, Donna and her special niece Jodi Burrus to her reward. She is survived by daughters Cynthia Rozyla (Michael Cooper) of Hayden, Idaho, Cheryl Rozyla (Kwame Kyei) of Columbus Ohio, and her son Brian Rozyla (Robin Davis) of Hailey, Idaho. She leaves her grandchildren Deire (Jeffrey) Piotrowski, Dilan McCliggott, Logan McCliggott, Delaney Rozyla, Abenaa Rozyla, Kyei and Cole Rozyla She was a proud great grandma to Aleigh, Tucker, Mia and Brooklynn. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy McKim in East Lansing, many very special nieces and nephews, longtime friends, and Missy Fargher, her very special friend who provided many hours of companionship and loving care the past three years. Funeral services will take place on Monday, February 15 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 4790 Gratiot Road in Saginaw. Rev. Kathryn S. Snedeker will officiate with burial next to Leo and Scott at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations made to Hospice of North Idaho ( honi.org) or OnSite For Seniors ( OnSite4Seniors.org).

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603