Obituary of Rita Manita Ciolkosz

Rita M. Ciolkosz (Kaminski), 94, of Tacoma, Washington, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023. Born on March 2, 1929 in Stanley, Wisconsin. Rita was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Anastasia Kaminski.

Rita was a vibrant and joyful woman who truly loved life. She had a warm smile and a kind word for everyone she met. Rita's greatest joy came from her children and family. She cherished the holidays, especially Christmas, and would decorate up to seven trees, each with its own unique theme. From brightly colored birds to crystals and stuffed animals for the kids, Rita's Christmas trees were always a sight to behold. She had a deep appreciation for her Polish heritage and brought a touch of tradition to every holiday celebration.

Rita had a passion for dancing and was a dedicated member of the Thorp Krakowiak dance group for several years. She loved to dance the polka, waltz, two-step, swing, foxtrot, and more. Rita also enjoyed bowling, board/dice games, and baking. She perfected the Polish rye bread recipe passed down through generations and delighted her loved ones with apple slices, cinnamon rolls, and other delicious delicacies. Rita's soups and entrees, made from scratch using treasured family recipes, were always a hit.

Rita lived life to the fullest and often said, "I've done everything on this earth that I ever wanted to do." She taught her children the values of a loving family, respect, care, and treating others as they wanted to be treated.

Rita is survived by her eight children: Christine, Ray (Joanne), Jerome, Eugene, Susanne, Marguerite, Mariane, and Carolyn. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Rita leaves behind her brothers John and Louis, and sister-in-law’s Julia, Pat, Joanne, Dolores, and Alice.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anastasia Kaminski, the Ciolkosz In-laws Louis and Victoria, grandson Jeffery, brother Tony, sisters Josephine, Trixie, Rose, and Julia, sister-in-law’s Connie, Dorothy, Cora, Virginia, Bernadette, brother-in-law’s Ralph, Mitch, Leonard, Ronald, Edward, Pete, Steve, Bob, and her husband’s Erwin Ciolkosz, Edward Staron, and Eugene Cottle.

Rita graduated from Thorp High School and was a woman of faith. She worshipped at Catholic churches throughout her life.

In her free time, Rita enjoyed playing board and dice games, bowling, billiards, bingo, shopping, traveling, baking, cooking, and decorating her many themed Christmas trees. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

A memorial service to be held in Thorp, Wisconsin at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests dedicating a mass or making a donation to the Dementia Society of America. Contributions can be made online at the following website: https://www.dementiasociety.org/  Your generosity will support vital research and assistance for those affected by this disease.

Rita M. Ciolkosz will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her love, kindness, laughter, and zest for life will forever remain in our hearts.