Patricia Colleen Rojas

     Patricia Colleen Rojas, age 93, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Saturday, September 26, 2026.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Johns, MI, on Wednesday September 30, 2026, at 11:00 A.M, with Rev. Fr. Anthony Brooks presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes-Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, on Tuesday September 29, 2026, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 P.M. & 6-8 P.M., with a Vigil Service on Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

     Patricia was born in Mecosta, MI on February 19, 1933, the daughter of John Henry and Nellie Dora (Bidlack) Wiley. She was a graduate of Mecosta High School with the Class of 1951. There were 16 students in her Class at Mecosta High School. They shared in all high school activities, proms, and sports. She was a cheerleader, played basketball as a guard and played the trumpet. In her senior year, Patricia was also the president of the Student Council. On March 8, 1951, she married Joaquin Barrientos Rojas, they were married at St. Michael The Archangel in Remus, MI.

     She loved the art of handwriting letters and cards. Patricia was very fond of wildlife and animals, especially caring for birds and numerous pets. She enjoyed gardening and canning. Music was very important to Patricia as well. She loved playing the piano and going to concerts, especially Irish and multigenerational music.

     Patricia was part of the greatest generation that ever lived. She was raised on a farm during The Great Depression and World War II. She was a pioneer in the telecommunications industry with Michigan Bell and AT&T. After retirement, she worked at the Michigan Athletic Club in East Lansing in child care for 10 years.

     She traveled to Mexico, Spain, Morocco, Alaska, Ireland, Canada, and throughout the United States. Family gatherings and holidays together were her greatest joys. She volunteered her time at St. Vincent Retail Store in St. Johns for many years. Patricia was also a member of the Red Hatters club for a few years.

     Patricia was a dedicated member of the Catholic Church, attending Immaculate Heart of Mary in Lansing, MI until her family moved to St. Johns in 1972. Father Hankard welcomed the Rojas family to St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she was a member until her passing.

     She is survived by her children: Steve (Patti) Rojas; Joel Rojas, Cheryl (Tom Colthorp) Rojas;Rod (Donna) Rojas; and Caren (Kevin) Dobreff; and her son-in-law Dale Calder; 6 grandchildren: Todd, Erin, Nicholas, Alex, Nathan, and Nick; and great-grandchild Caitlen. Patricia is also survived by her dear friends from the Mecosta area, Mecosta High School and her St. Johns neighbors. Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Joaquin Rojas; her parents, her daughter Kathy Calder, and her sister Emma Jean Sharp.

     Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church Educational Fund. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.