OBITUARY
Mary Lynn (née Fisher) Rauch, 84, of San Angelo, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on December 12, after a courageous journey with dementia.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, December 18, at Immanuel Baptist Church in San Angelo.
Mary was born in Childress, TX on August 29, 1941 to Lindsay and Pauline Fisher. As the middle child of five, she grew up surrounded by the love of a close-knit family, where days were often spent working together on the family farm. Those early years instilled in her a strong work ethic, a deep appreciation for family, and a joy in simple blessings.
After graduating from high school in Lorenzo, TX; Mary moved to Lubbock, where she began her career with an insurance company. It was there that she met the love of her life, Walter Dean Rauch. The two were married on July 14, 1962, in Lorenzo, beginning a partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and faith.
Mary and Walter’s journey took them to northwest Washington State, where they built a life on a small farm nestled at the foothills of Mount Baker. Surrounded by horses, calves, and dogs, Mary thrived in the beauty of the countryside. Their two children were born there as well — Michael Glen in 1968, and Leah Renee in 1971.
Though Mary loved her Washington home and spoke of it often, in 1974 the family returned to Texas, settling in Knox City. For nearly three decades, Mary poured her heart into her community. She taught the three and four-year-olds, along with youth group at the Baptist Church. She worked for the school district, and never missed any of her children’s games or events. Mary had a remarkable gift for connecting with young people—her kindness, patience, and joy touched countless lives and reflected her deep love for God. Her favorite person was always the youngest in the room!
In 2003, Mary and Walter moved to San Angelo to be closer to their grandchildren. Mary continued her work in school administration with SAISD and later served as bookkeeper at Immanuel Baptist Church. There, they found not only a church home but also a community they embraced with love and faithful service.
Mary and Walter shared 56 beautiful years of marriage prior to Walter’s death in October of 2018.
Family was the heart of Mary’s world. She was a beloved Wife, Mom, Nana, and Aunt whose home was always filled with warmth, encouragement, prayer, and those famous “Nana Rolls” and cream cheese brownies. Her gentle spirit and unwavering devotion to her loved ones will be cherished forever.
Mary is survived by sisters Joan Yoakum and Kay Ardis, son Michael Rauch, daughter Leah Rauch, Grandchildren Mariah Cordery, Justin Luxton, and Erin Burd; and two great-grandchildren Lukas Cordery and Zoe Cordery; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Walter, her parents and older sister Burma Niell and younger brother Glen Fisher.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to The Crest Memory Care at Baptist Retirement Community and staff for their excellent and compassionate care during Mary’s final years.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Mary’s honor to:
The Crest, 430 E. 8th Street, San Angelo, TX 76903.
And take a long walk by the river to honor her memory, as Mary would do.
— From Shaffer Funeral Home
