Lois G. Rauscher

West Leyden - Lois G. Rauscher, 89, longtime resident of Route 26, West Leyden, and widow of Ralph, passed away on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Rome Memorial Hospital. Lois was born in Rome, on June 4, 1929 a daughter of Walter and Clara Miller Groff. She grew up in Lee Center, and was a graduate of Rome Free Academy with the Class of 1947. She then continued her education at the Utica School of Nursing earning her Registered Nurses Degree. On May 30, 1951, Lois was united in marriage with Ralph Rauscher. Following their marriage the couple settled on Mohawk Hill, where they operated the family dairy farm. In 1964 they moved to West Leyden, where she had since lived. Lois was employed as a Registered Nurse at Rome Hospital until her retirement in 1985. Mr. Rauscher passed away on October 27, 1998. Lois attended the West Leyden Reformed Church, where for several years she was the pianist and a Sunday school teacher. She enjoyed being outdoors, going for walks and tending to her gardens. She was an accomplished knitter and seamstress and will fondly be remembered for patching the jeans of many of the hardworking people in the West Leyden community. Lois is survived by her children: Susan (Gary) Williams, Town of Western, Mary Beth Betsy (Gary)Kreilach, Boonville, Karl (CarolAnn) Rauscher, West Leyden, Charlie (Jackie) Rauscher, Highmarket, and Alice (Joe) Maciejko, Constableville, 13 Grandchildren, 27 Great-Grandchildren, a sister Shirley Jones, Black River, several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Jean Rauscher, Margaret Pribble, and Janet (Jim) Farrell, and good friends Hannah and Arlene Ernst. Besides her husband Ralph, Lois was predeceased by a son Thomas Rauscher in 1968 and her sister Elizabeth Betty Groff in 2004. In keeping with Lois wishes, she has honorably donated her body to the Anatomical Gift Program at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. There will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6th at 11am at the West Leyden Reformed Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities fund at the Residential Health Care Facility at Rome Hospital: 1500 North James Street, Rome, New York 13440. Loiss children would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Rome Hospital for the excellent care and compassion that was given to their mother.