Maria G. (Garza) Rocha, age 88 of Chesterton passed away Saturday, December 27, 2025. She was born on September 25, 1937, in Cuidad Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico to the late Fernando and Cenobia Garza. On November 8, 1953, she married Jesus M. Rocha in East Chicago, Indiana who was devoted to her in marriage for 66 years. Maria spent over 30 years as a bus driver for countless students in Lake Station school district. She appreciated her pastors and friends at Latin Pentecostal Church.

She is survived by her daughters, Terry Gomez, Dianna (Michael) Miller, Esther (Jerry) Baldazo; sons, Fernando (Maria) Rocha, Luis (Brenda) Rocha; sister, Nena Mitchell; 19 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Maria is preceded in death by the following loved ones: her husband Jesus; her sons Jorge, Gabriel, and James; son-in-law Albert; brother Fernando "Hector".

Memorial contributions in Maria's name may be made to the Special Olympics Lake County, PO Box 232 Lowell, IN 46356.

Visitation for Maria will be held Friday, January 2, 2025, from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at Rees Funeral Home Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage. A funeral service will take place Saturday, January 3, 2025, at 9:00 am at the Latin Pentecostal Church, 3950 Marquette Road, Lake Station, IN 46405. She will be laid to rest at Angelcrest Cemetery. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.