EDITH "MIKI" (TIROTTA) LANSFORD

Feb. 4, 1929 - Feb. 6, 2013
MISHAWAKA - Miki Lansford passed away gracefully from heart and respiratory problems, on Wednesday evening, February 6, 2013, just two days after celebrating her 84th birthday, leaving behind a large and adoring family and many, many friends. The daughter of Italian immigrants, Miki was the fourth of fourteen children born to Perry and Lena Tirotta (deceased) of South Bend.

In 1962, Miki married Joe E. Lansford, who preceded her in death, as did a previous husband, Joseph M. Cook Sr., and their infant daughter, Dawn Cook.

Miki's surviving children are Rebecca M. (James) Betz of Granger, Colleen D. (William) Dobslaw of Mishawaka, Joseph M. (Lisa) Cook Jr. of South Bend, and April L. (Robert) Mansfield of Syracuse, IN. She leaves seven grandchildren: Travis (Shannon) Betz of Los Angeles, Jason (Emily) Schultz of Greenwood, IN, Tracy (Travis Sandifur) Betz Sandifur of Indianapolis, Jane (Bryan) Stroup of Boston, Justin Schultz of Indianapolis, Derek Schultz of Indianapolis, and Brittany (Mark) Betz Fawley of Granger; as well as six step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Dobslaw, Holly Johnson, Rebecca Tamez, Laura Rubeck, Kirstin Mansfield, and Cory Mansfield; and five great-grandchildren: Harper and Emerson Sandifur, Maxwell and Jackson Fawley, and Eva Schultz.

Many cherished memories of Miki are treasured by her "adopted daughter" Donna M. (Wayne) Laughlin of South Bend, as well as a very special friend and companion, Robert Heide of South Bend. Miki is survived by three sisters, Rose Ratkay and Barbara Johnson of Niles, and Sandra Tirotta of Mishawaka; and three brothers, Frank (Virginia) Tirotta, Joseph (Judy) Tirotta, and Paul (Aileen) Tirotta, all of South Bend.

Preceding her in death were seven sisters and brothers: Julia Sinkovics, Mary Spencer, Theresa McKamey, Kathryn Everly, Jean Marlin, Perry Tirotta, and Michael Tirotta.

Miki attended South Bend Central High School, and later became an entrepreneur, owning several restaurants and a drapery business before she began working at her daughter and son-in-law's Dairy Queen in Mishawaka for more than 30 years.

She was a faithful member of Little Flower Catholic Church and a volunteer in the Parish Funeral Lunch Service Project. Many will miss this beautiful and caring lady who gave of her time and devotion to others. Miki cherished the very concept of family, enjoying get-togethers, parties and important events in the lives of her many siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Likewise, she also enjoyed sharing time with many friends and acquaintances. She will long be remembered by those whose hearts she touched.

Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 10 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka. A Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Funeral Mass will be Monday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 Ironwood Road, South Bend, with viewing at Bubb one hour prior to funeral. Burial will be at Highland Cemetery, followed by a luncheon and celebration of Miki's life in the church fellowship hall. Donations may be made in Edith Lansford's memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Send email condolences to: www.BubbFuneralChapel.com. Mother dear, sleep with no fear, Your children were all very near. You were an angel here on earth, Now God has given you new birth. Your smile, your laughter forever will be missed, But all of those who loved you Were very very blessed.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2013.

02/06/2023 EJS