Rosa Kihara

Rosa Kihara, age 96, of Los Angeles and Van Nuys, CA, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at Carroll Manor Board & Care facility in Littlerock, CA. Born on December 16, 1928 in Durango, Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Jose Cruz Rocha and Francisca Lopez Rocha.

Rosa married Jesus “Chito” Lopez on 3/26/1956 in Juarez, Mexico. Although Chito was a Mexican national, he was a descendent of Japanese father: Jesus Denzo Kihara and Mexican mother, Enedina Lopez. Together, Chito and Rosa, owned a flourishing general store called “La Economia” in Juarez, Mexico. After Chito passed away 2/17/1986, Rosa sold their store on 7/31/1986. Soon after, Rosa came to live with her daughter, Rosa Maria Corrales, her mother Francisca Lopez Rocha, and her three children (Hector, Sandy, and Yvonne) in downtown Los Angeles. Rosa became a naturalized citizen. Rosa helped to take care of her mother, Francisca “Pancha”, who was blind and helped to beat cancer until she passed away 3/18/1995 at home of natural causes.

An avid gardener and animal lover, Rosa kept a gorgeous garden with the most beautiful and coveted roses! She was delighted to spend every moment with her beloved dog, Rodney. Rosa had a passionate talent in creating hundreds of crocheted doilies of all sizes and patterns. She was also an active volunteer at church and one of the friendliest neighbors on Bonsallo Avenue. She knew everyone’s personal business…

Rosa is survived by her grandchildren, Hector, Sandy, and Yvonne; and great-grandchildren, Davon Ryan Wade and Michael Royce Wade. She was preceded in death by her parents, her only child, Rosa Maria Corrales, and her seven siblings, Valentino, Chavela, Ramiro, Pedro, Maria de Jesus “Chuy”, Berta, and Roberto.

A viewing for Rosa will be held Friday, June 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla’s chapel, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 13, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 10621 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606. A graveside service will occur Friday, June 13, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park and Mortuary, 10621 Victory Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91606.

God bless the Pallbearers: Hector Arrieta, Davon Wade, Michael Wade, Jeffrey Williams, Staecy Elliott, and Kaesey Escobar.

A special thanks to Carroll Manor Board & Care facility in Littlerock, CA for taking the best 24/7 care of Rosa. Our family will be forever grateful to Molina Miller and her staff to caring for not only our grandmother, Rosa Kihara, but also our dearest mother, Rosa Maria Corrales.

A warm thank you to everyone for your love and support.