Catherine “Kitty” Rauch, age 79, died peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. She is now home with her memories restored and at peace. Kitty is survived by her husband Jon and three children Jon Jr. (Michele) Rauch, Julie (Paul) Nixon and Jane (Bob) Eggleston; and eight grandchildren, Jon III and Nicole Rauch, Michael, Catherine and Joe Nixon, and Bobby (Kateland), Eleanor and Emily Eggleston. Also surviving are her brothers Raleigh (Dee) Smith, Terry (Sharie) Smith and Pat (Kathy) Smith; her beloved sister Peggy (Dan) Reyers; brother-in-law Dave (Nancy) Rauch; and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her mother Eleanor and father J. Robert Smith. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Kitty, being her family, friend or neighbor, you would have been blessed with knowing a sweet soul who greeted you with a bright smile to warm your day. You also would have been filled in on the goings-on of all her grandchildren. Kitty and her Catholic Central sweetheart, Jon, built a life around their faith and family. She loved, absolutely loved, being a mother and grandmother. Hosting a birthday dinner, planning a lunch date with her many friends, telling Jon where to plant the next flowerbed or just sitting on the bench at Good Harbor Beach to watch a sunset with her family around her, were her favorite pastimes. Each one of us have been touched by her love and generosity of spirit. We are filled with gratitude for all the love and support in caring for Kitty. Visitation will be Thursday, February 7th, 6 – 8 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, February 8th at 11:00 AM at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Rev. Peter Damien presiding. Internment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Dan Donnelly Foundation, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
10 Responses
My heart is singing knowing that your suffering here is done and that you are experiencing God’s promise and an eternity of happiness, but those who are left behind will grieve and miss your smile, your laugh and your love of life. You were one of the special ones. Xoxo
Omgoodness I’m so very sorry to see this. Jon and Michelle, Jane and Bob, Julie and Paul, and all the family, we are so sad to hear of the passing of your dear mom. She always had a beautiful smile on her face! Please know you’re all in our thoughts and prayers. May she rest peacefully with Christ. God bless your family and comfort you.
Kit was such a love! With all our love and prayers!
Your Mother was a dear sweet lady that I remember with such great memories. She always wore her trademark smile to all who greater her. At Christmas, I still make her pecan praline candies and think of her making them and sharing them with us. My heart hurts for the family and loved ones, but knowing you will be with her again in God’s kingdom will live in you. God Bless.
My Thoughts and Prayers are with the entire Rauch family.
Sincere condolences from the (Ed and Joan) McCarthy families.
Thoughts and prayers for all of you. I can go way back to Grade school, where I was with her kids and her smile and heart has never changed. Her children are exact replicas of her. Beautiful on the inside and out. May you each find comfort and peace, knowing she has seen God face to face as He embraced her and hugged her and rejoiced as she came home to Him.
Please accept our condolences, thoughts and prayers
Dear Jon and Family,
Please accept my condolences as you part with Kitty’s earthly presence. She was such a beautiful person…inside and out. You now have a new guardian in heaven who will continue to watch over and love her family.
God bless all of you.
Diane (Chilver) Nielsen.
Jon, Jonny, Julie, Janie I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear, wonderful Kitty. She was one of a kind. Although I had not seen Kitty for a few years I have many fond memories of a great sister-in-law. Kind, a little ditzy, sweet, caring, and always loving her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.