Carolyn M. Rauh

Carolyn M. Rauh, 80, of Metamora, IL finished her earthly race at 9:50 pm on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora.  She was born on March 11, 1938 in Benson, IL to Joseph L. and Carrie M. (Moritz) Eckhoff.  She married John R. Rauh at St. Peter Lutheran Church on November 18, 1956.  He preceded her in death, having enjoyed many evidences of God’s grace on their 56-year marriage.

Surviving are their three children and spouses Rick (Deb Schertz) Rauh and Kevin (Debbie Strickfaden) Rauh both of Metamora and Lori (Warren) Yates of Rockwood, TN.  Also surviving are her ten grandchildren Nathan (Amanda) Rauh-Bieri of Ann Arbor, MI, Kari Rauh of Metamora, Grace (Jeff) Green of Wheelock, VT, Jared (Mackenzie) Rauh of Dunlap, Stephan Rauh of Tiskilwa, IL, Justin Rauh of Metamora, Jonathan (Stephanie Morgenthaler) Yates of Engelwood, CO, Kristin Rauh of Wheaton, IL, Jordan Rauh of Lawton, MI, and Joshua Rauh of Metamora.  She also delighted in the gift of two great-grandchildren Cayden John Rauh and Anastasia Hope Green.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marvin Eckhoff, and sister Fern Eva Arch.

Carolyn enjoyed growing up on the family farm and attending school and church with special friends in Benson.  Through the years she was employed by Benson High School, Ulrich Manufacturing Co., Metamora Telephone Co., and Metamora Pharmacy.  She faithfully served in her church and took advantage of many opportunities to contribute to her community and to build significant friendships through her involvements with the Metamora Women’s Club, Snyder Village volunteering, and community-led Bible studies.  Many women found her to be a thoughtful neighbor, trusted friend, encouraging mentor, and humble example to learn with in the journey of life.  She seemed to be aware of the right time to provide an encouraging word, a caring card, a satisfying meal, or a supporting shoulder to lean against.  Though she faced some difficult challenges in life, she learned that her Savior was faithful, kind, and could be trusted to strengthen her and to lead her for His glory and the good of so many.

Her most satisfying work in life was, without a doubt, partnering with her husband to love and lead their family in her significant role as Mom and Grandma.  She rarely missed an opportunity to come alongside her grandchildren to join in the fun, to share a good book, to affirm whom they are, to cheer them on, and to celebrate their successes.  Even more importantly, she was on a mission to seize the teachable moments that life provides to instruct and to lead them to follow in the steps of the Lord she loved.  Her words were consistently kind and honoring to all, but it was her example that made the biggest impact to those who knew her the best.

Carolyn was a woman of grace and beauty.  Throughout her life she was personable, welcoming, and eager to lend a helping hand.  She had a generous heart and loved the opportunities to open her kitchen and her home in order to serve her family, her neighbors, and so many friends.  For more than 40 years, she and John thoroughly enjoyed extending that gracious hospitality through their Long Lake summer home.  Even as the dementia progressively interfered with her daily life, she was still known to be pleasant, kind-hearted, and generous toward others.  The family is especially grateful to the ongoing support of devoted friends, the compassionate caregivers of Snyder Village, and the hospice team of VITAS who served well during this journey.

Funeral Services to worship her Lord and celebrate His grace in her life will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 1781 County Road 2000 E, Rural Benson with Pastor David Abuya officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Mason Funeral Home Metamora Chapel and also from 9:00 am until 9:45 am on Saturday prior to her service at the church.  Burial will be in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Benson.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to Snyder Village, 1200 East Partridge Street, Metamora, IL 61548, St. Peter Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 115, Benson, IL 61516 or Youth for Christ Peoria Area (Metamora Ministry), 4100 North Brandywine Drive, Peoria, IL 61614.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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