Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE - DECEMBER 2, 2003

Obituary: Mildred Vadas Ransberger

June 23, 1922 -- Nov. 28, 2003

Mildred "Milly" Vadas Ransberger, 81, of Mishawaka, Ind., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Nov. 28, in her home.

She was born on June 23, 1922, to the late John and Margaret (Jaworski) Savko in Baltimore, Md., and had lived in the South Bend area most of her life, coming from Baltimore. She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Pacala and Irene Dobrodt; and by a brother, Raymond Savko. On Aug. 23, 1941, as Mildred Savko, she married Endre Vadas in Holy Cross Catholic Church, South Bend, Ind. He died on May 29, 1973. She then married Donn Ransberger on Aug. 10, 1984, in South Bend. He died on May 5, 1986.

Mrs. Ransberger was the owner/operator of Sheiks Tavern in South Bend for many years. She was a member of Holy Cross Parish and a member of Elks BPOE No. 235 in South Bend.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon A. (Richard) Seifert of South Bend; her son, Jon E. (Mary Lou) Vadas of West Chester, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Mary Ann Ransberger; a stepson, William Ransberger; five grandchildren, Shelly (Dan) Lettieri of Aurora, Ill., Greg (Michelle) Seifert of Greensboro, N.C., Sean Vadas of Cleveland, Ohio, Kristen Vadas of New Jersey and Ryan Vadas of Colorado; a step-granddaughter, Kristina Ransberger; six great-grandchildren, Corey, Cole, Chase, and Cameron Lettieri, Isabel and George Seifert; a brother, Melvin (Virginia) Savko of Tallahassee, Fla., and by a sister-in-law, Jean (Bob) Warren of Mishawaka.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Rev. James Rigert, C.S.C., officiating. Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, where a parish Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church, 920 Wilber St., South Bend, IN 46628

"Milly," as she was known to everyone, was there when you needed her and never expected anything in return. She made everyone feel welcomed and loved.

To her grandchildren she was not only their grandmother but their friend.

To her great-grandchildren she was their playmate. The called her "Gi Gi." She lived for them

To her children, Sharon and Jon, she was someone they looked up to. We didn't have a chance to say goodbye and thanks for the love that you have shown us, which we now share with our children.

Goodnight Mom, we love you and will miss you.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.