Ruth A. "Tootie" Kolasa of Michigan City passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 12:37 p.m. at St. Anthony Memorial Health Centers with her loving family by her side. She was 81.

Born on June 23, 1928 in Chesterton, she was the daughter of the late August and Anna (Levendowski) Janowski. On November 6, 1948 in Chesterton, she married Walter E. Kolasa, who survives after 61 years of marriage.

Also surviving are four children Terry (wife Nancy) Kolasa of Chesterton, Dennis (Christine) Kolasa of Westville, Greg (Kathy) Kolasa of Onsted, Mich., and Cindy (husband Matt) Block of Michigan City; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are grandchildren Julianne and Michelle Block; sisters Theresa Dziedzic and Florence Kafca; and brothers Henry, Edward, Raymond and Marion Janowski.

Ruth was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church and Rosary Sodality. She was a former member and secretary of the Polish Business and Professional Club and a member of the Coolspring Democratic Club. She loved to go camping and travel and was an avid Bulls fan. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 7 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church with the Rev. Walter Rakoczy and Rev. Michael J. Yadron officiating. Entombment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery Mausoleum. Viewing will be held on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Root Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the VNA.

Posted 5/6/2010