Kolt was born in New Jersey, USA, on 10 February 1914. She grew up in Cleveland (Ohio) with her parents and seven siblings after her family relocated from New Jersey to live near Kolt’s maternal uncle, who resided in Cleveland. During her childhood, she attended Patrick Henry Junior High School located on Durant Avenue in Cleveland. She worked wherever she could to support her family during the Great Depression. For the majority of her career, she was employed at her brother-in-law’s jewelry store on Superior Avenue. She also held jobs in a knitting factory and a bank.

At some point, she married Alfred Kolt. The couple had two children.

Kolt resided in University Heights with her husband until they moved to Solon around 1990. In Solon, she frequented the Solon Senior Center for 20 years, where she became involved in playing mahjong. It was during her participation in mahjong classes that she met instructor Mary Trient. The two quickly formed a strong friendship. During Trient’s trip to Israel, she offered to deliver a note to the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Kolt’s behalf. Kolt considers having a note placed in the Western Wall as one of the most significant moments in her life.

Her husband passed away in 1996. Two of her sisters lived to be 100 and 101 respectively. When she was around 101 years old, she moved into a senior living community. At the age of 107, she had two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is a lifelong member of Hadassah. Having been raised in the Jewish Orthodox tradition, she attributes her longevity to adhering to many Kosher practices. She also attributes her long and fulfilling life to the significant influence of her husband.