Mrs. Dorothy "Tootsie" Rateau
October 14, 1932 ~ March 14, 2023
Born in:
Weirton, WV
Resided in:
Weirton, United States
Dorothy “Tootsie” Rateau, a lifelong resident of Weirton, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2023, at the age of 90. She was born on October 14, 1932, the ninth child of ten, to the late Milos and Dragica Solaja Rasich.
A lady ahead of her time and sharp as a tack until the very end, Tootsie was a loyal and dedicated worker for the US Postal Service for 35 years. She took great pride in her work and was highly regarded by her colleagues and customers alike. Her friendly smile, kind demeanor, and her pocket full of dog treats made her a very popular mail carrier along her rural route.
Even though it was not love at first sight, Tootsie met the love of her life, John E. Rateau, at the movie theatre, and they were married for 56 years until John’s passing in 2009. John was a combustion engineer in the mill. They were blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Tootsie was a proud member of the Democratic Executive Committee and life-long Democrat. She was thrilled to see President John F. Kennedy when he visited Weirton.
She was baptized in the Holy Resurrection Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church.
In addition to her parents, and her husband, Tootsie was preceded in death by her great grandson, Collin Rateau; her brothers, George “Bobby” Rasich and Michael Rasich; her sisters, Molly Depew, Mildred Merlo, Donna Warren, Helen Barnabei, and Mary Reynolds.
She will be remembered with love by her sons, Jon H. Rateau and his fiancé, Nittaya Mookdamuang of The Kingdom of Bahrain; Robert S. and Margaret Rateau of Moon Township, PA; her daughters, Renee Y. and Timothy Howard of Weirton, WV and Janeen S. Welch of Weirton, WV; her sister, Diane and Duane Morris of Saginaw, Michigan; her nine grandchildren, Halee (Noah) Elliott, Aurielle (Joshua) Sizemore, Timothy (Mallorie) Howard, Jon Rateau, Justin (Donna Delp) Rateau, Marc Rateau, Chelsea (Ian) Cowan, Alisandra (Zachary) Tieke and Lilliann Welch; and two great grandchildren, Kaeden Rateau and Nash Howard.
Private family services will be held at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Barkley presiding.
Tootsie will be laid to rest next to her husband at Saint Paul’s Cemetery in Weirton.
Memorial contributions may be made in Tootsie’s memory to the Holy Resurrection Eastern Orthodox Church, 528 North Fourth Street, Steubenville, OH 43952.
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dorothy "Tootsie" Rateau 's name.
Tootsie will forever remain in our hearts and in our memories.
We think back of wonderful summers spent with your family and find peace in knowing Tootsie and Johnny are reunited. We are sending you all our love and prayers. Micalene, Dave, Nick and Ben
Renee, Timmy and families: We are so deeply sorry for your loss. We are sure the good Lord is welcoming your mom with open arms. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Again, we are so sorry.
Tootsie was the most fabulous woman. Every time I saw her she always made laugh until I cried. She was so sweet, smart and loving. I will always remember her. I will be praying for her family at this difficult time.
Renee Jay Robert and Jeanene
Your mom was a treasure. An original through and through that embodied so much of what was right about times past and what it meant to be devoted to a family and a community.
Dear Aunt Tootsie… always made us smile. I remember when you took care of us for a week when we were little… mom had to have surgery…. I thought your house, playing with my cousins was the best. Always a kind word, always a smile. We are sure that Heaven is having one heck of a party with Uncle Johnny on his harmonica.
Love,
Denise and Stephanie
I will always remember her kind spirit and her love towards me. Her memory will always live on in my heart.
Renee and Tim,
So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with comfort that only He can give you at this time.
Sally
Renee, Jay, Robert & Janeen: it’s impossible to think of your mom without smiling. So many good memories of her & your dad (and of fun times with our whole family.) Sending you much love and prayers.
We grew up together , she was more like a big sister to me always looking out for me
I will miss her forever. She was the very best ❤️
Kris, Sean, Doug, Dan, and Devin
Thoughts with love to all the Rateaus, Rasich’s and Barnabei’s
Gary and Jess and Kevin, Aiden, Nicholas, Orion, Callista!
recpros1@gmail.com
Jay, Renee, Robert, and Janine and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tootsie’s passing. She was such a sweet lady and such a huge part of my memories growing up.
Love you sweet Aunt Tootsie ❤️. You will be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers for my cousins during this time. Love you all.
Although I never met, “Aunt Tootsie”, my Aunt Patti (Barnabei) Melnyk spoke of her so often. She sounded like such a fun lady. I always felt like I knew her and enjoyed her stories. Her memory will live on in those wonderful memories.
My condolences to her family.
Shannon Gelestor Schumer