Dorothy L Rauch (Hartville)'s Obituary
Dorothy Louise Rauch was born January 8, 1945 in St. Louis, Missouri. The specific
circumstances of her birth are unknown, but she was adopted and raised by William L.
and Martha M. (Oglesby) Rauch in St. Louis. Dorothy said that biologically she is part
Apache Indian and took pride in that heritage.
Dorothy attended St. Louis schools through the 8th grade where she enjoyed baton
twirling. She wanted to go to high school, but due to her learning disability she had
difficulty in some subjects especially mathematics. The decision was made that Dorothy
would not go to high school which greatly disappointed her. She had planned to
continue baton twirling and had aspirations to "twirl fire!" (Dorothy says her parents
would not let her because it was too dangerous.) Her favorite subject in school was
reading and she continued to read for pleasure throughout her life.
Dorothy began working at a young age at domestic jobs: housekeeping, care-giving, and
ironing. She liked to iron! She worked outside the home at a laundromat and as a
waitress as well as a roller-skating carhop at a drive-in restaurant. Dorothy shared that
she liked to work and earn her own money.
Like most teenagers of her generation, she liked listening to rock In' roll music on her
record player and buying records with her earnings. She was a fan of Elvis Presley
(whose birthday she shared) and Ricky Nelson whom she had the privilege of seeing in
person! The music of the 1960s was the soundtrack for her entire life. Riding roller
coasters was a thrill for her; she loved riding them! (Even in her later years, she still
wished she could ride a roller coaster again.)
Dorothy moved to the Hartville/Grovespring area when she was middle-aged. She
enjoyed nature and all animals so living in the country was a perfect place for her. Her
many pets brought her much joy! She had dogs, cats, hermit crabs and her special
guinea pigs, Bubbles and Ellie May. A favorite past-time was sitting outside watching
birds, squirrels, snakes and lizards.
Dorothy began attending Little Creek Baptist Church in 2000. Dorothy professed her
belief in and love for Jesus Christ! She became a member of the church and the church
became Dorothy's family.
Dorothy gave birth to three children: Mike, Debbie and Shannon Rauch of the St. Louis
area. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Jesus took Dorothy home
to live with Him forever on Sunday, October 21, 2018. Dorothy will be missed by
everyone who had the privilege of getting acquainted with her. She was a loving,
trusting, fun person. Now Dorothy Rauch can truly say, "I'm doing fine!"
A memorial has been established to help with a headstone or donor's choice through Holman Howe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 236 Hartville, MO 65667.
What’s your fondest memory of Dorothy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dorothy?
Share a story where Dorothy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dorothy you’ll never forget.
How did Dorothy make you smile?
