Verdonna L. "Bootie" Rainbolt

VERDONNA L. RAINBOLT "BOOTIE" (nee GRAHAM) Age 74 of Merrillville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 17, 2004, with her children by her side at Methodist Southlake Campus. She is survived by her loving children: 2 sons, Michael (Suzanne) Rainbolt of St. John, James (Diane) Rainbolt of Schererville; daughter, Cathleen (Thomas) Scolaro of Merrillville; 2 stepchildren, Ronald (Donna) Rainbolt of Ava, Missouri, Linda (Scott) Carey of Calumet City, Illinois; 14 grandchildren, Ronda, Dawn, Rheagan, Farren, Kimberly, Nathan, Kristee, Michael, Ryan, James, Craig, Alexa, Tommy and Jack; 4 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; brother, William (Gloria) Graham of Florida; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, James I. Rainbolt on March 31, 2004. Verdonna grew up in Hammond, Indiana, graduating from Hammond Tech in 1948. She worked as a telephone operator for many years. She married James I. Rainbolt and moved to Merrillville over 40 years ago. Verdonna, affectionately known as "Bootie" to her loved ones, truly enjoyed being a homemaker. She liked to read, sew, knit and crochet. She enjoyed baking cookies and going on field trips with her children. On Grandparent's Day at school, she was the proudest one there. Her greatest enjoyment came from her children and grandchildren. She took great pride in their accomplishments, knowing that her love, understanding and caring help them to succeed in whatever they chose. Bootie was and forever will be the greatest sister, Mom, Grandmother and friend anyone could hope for. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Rendina Funeral Home, 5100 Cleveland St. Merrillville. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday with Fr. Kevin Huber and Rev. Bruce Scott officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.