Ruby Mae Coates Kolarik

Mrs. Ruby Mae Coates Kolarik, wife of Richard Kolarik (deceased) born in Tennessee on July 25, 1928, passed from this world on Sunday, October 17, 2010, in Decatur, Texas after a lengthy and valiant struggle with cancer and other medical complications over the past several years. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Austin (Bowie, Texas), wife of Tom Austin; Tedi Bennethum (West Lawn, Pennsylvania), wife of Brian Bennethum; and Caren Smith (McAllen, Texas); and eight grandchildren of whom she was so very proud: Rachel Austin, Lauren Austin, Ryan Brown, Corynn Cusson, Jennifer Schwartz, Dr. Jesse Schwartz, Jeremy Schwartz, and Corey Sheeley, in addition to 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren whose hearts she has touched.

Daughter of Edward Coates (deceased), the owner of Fisher Dye Works in Houston, Ruby became a talented seamstress who operated her own custom sewing business out of her home for many years in the Houston area.

She also loved singing all her life. She began singing in the senior choir at First Methodist Church in downtown Houston when she was only 14-years-old. She sang in big bands in the 1940’s and spent many years as a valuable member of the First Advent Lutheran Church of West Lawn, Pennsylvania, often doing the Christmas and Easter solos.

Ruby’s family would like to thank all the health care providers in Bowie and Decatur who gave her such special attention over these last four years, especially Jamie Fenglio, LVN and the rest of the staff at Bellmire Nursing Home in Bowie.

Services will be held at Forest Park East Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. with interment at a later date. In lieu of flowers you are welcome to make a donation to the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church Choir at 3471 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77027.

“Just as I am, without one plea,

But that thy blood was shed for me,

And that thou bidst me come to thee,

O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”