Guest Book
To the family of Mrs. Rauch,
Mrs. Rauch touched many lives in so many ways. Her love for teaching, setting a child right and her ability to make sure we would "practice, practice, practice," has produced a great crop. After being forced to change to writing and drawing with my left hand, her instructions eased the way. After her students took flight in the world, we gained great respect for her stern ways. She also has given me hope for future students to respect my stern ways! We are thankful for Mrs. Rauch. May God bless you with comfort.
~ Annie Reilley (Hudson)
Austin, TX (5/16/2007)
I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
~ Kathy (Larson) and Bob LaDue
9802 Dutch Creek Dr., Anamosa, IA (5/16/2007)
I truly enjoyed reading the memories from former students of Emma's. What a wonderful testimony not only to who she was as a teacher but as a person who cared. She cared about her students and had a desire for them to learn. What a wonderful gift!! As I read her students memories it warmed my heart and brought back memories of my own mom. Like Emma, she cared.
I remember Emma and my mom going to summer school in Spearfish. As you know my mom was a quiet lady. I remember Emma taking her "under her wing" and getting her out and about. And of course we know Emma, whether mom wanted to go or not, she was going. :))) She was a good friend to my mom and I was always grateful mom had her friendship.
As I read the part that "her wants were few, she was content"
and that "education was her primary interest"...once again it brought back memories of mom...no wonder they were friends...their interests were so similar.
How much better we would all be if we could live as if "our wants are few...we are content". As I sit here writing I picture Emma saying "okay God, I'm here to help, what needs done?" May good memories bring you peace!
~ Sonia Nemec
Midland, SD (5/16/2007)
To the family of Emma E. Rauch,
I was deeply saddened by the new of Mrs. Rauch’s passing on Wednesday, May 16, 2007 from her daughter (and then from my parents on May 17, 2007). However, Mrs. Rauch’s impact on students, their parents, her family, and friends established a legacy that does not make her passing a forgettable event—Mrs. Rauch will remain and inspire all those she met and influenced for an eternity.
Mrs. Rauch was my 6th grade teacher in Edgemont, SD. Prior to me, my sister had Mrs. Rauch as a teacher …and I knew she was a “tough” teacher. Mrs. Rauch instilled a discipline, routine, and structure that everyone in her classes expected and on which they became to rely.
She taught in the “old school” style of Reading, Writing, and ’Rithmatic. But, she added Geography, Social Studies, Art, Music, Penmanship, and the like.… to ensures we all obtained a well-rounded education.
I could write a book, but I have only time to give some examples which are currently in my long term memory:
(1) Mrs. Rauch had a globe on a cord that dropped down from the ceiling of the classroom. The class learned so much from Geography and Social Studies from her use of this asset. Combining Geography and Art—we had a project where we had to make a 3-D map of a country, paint the features of the country, and then write a report on the country’s important aspects. I remember my assignment was Africa.
(2) Her 6th grade Science instruction was so inspiring that, when I was in High School, another student and I raised and bred mice for a Biology project,and also did a study on mold, using Petri dishes. During an Open House we not only provided an informative display about our mice project and mold project…we disinfected the Petri dishes and cooked mini-hamburgers in them for the parents that came to view our display. Mrs. Rauch always taught us to think “out of the box” and be inventive—although that expression hadn’t yet been invented.
(3) Mrs. Rauch had the most beautiful handwriting I’ve ever seen. She stressed Penmanship in our writing and other assignments. She worked with all students in our 6th grade class on the proper Palmer Method style of writing—and, of two in our class that year, I was one that met the entry standards and got an award from the company!
(4) Mrs. Rauch read to us every day—each day, the portion of an interesting story. To our dismay we knew we had to listen, because we had to take a comprehension test after she read the narration! I’ve since learned that was great teaching.
(5) When I was a leader in High School French Club, the club entered a contest for a window display for the local business for Christmas. Mrs. Rauch helped us make a paper-maché Madonna/Child from a magazine picture. We worked on it every night in the front porch of her house. The other student and I came up the background and lighting (displayed in the old Gambles Store)…and the French Club won 1st place that year.
(6) I was never good at sports, but I became one of the managers of the football, basketball, and other sports teams. Every time we needed an idea or supplies (for displays) to motivate the team…Mrs. Rauch was there for us.
(7) In High School, I immediately signed up for Future Teachers of America. I requested to partner with Mrs. Rauch. She willing accepted me. I learned about so many aspects of her teaching style. One humorous thing I remember was her love of Stephen Foster songs and other old standards. I agreed to not only do my FTA period with her, but arranged to come back to her class when she provided Music periods to play the piano for her. If I never hear Waltzing Matilda, Old Suzzanna, or John Brown’s Tomb (or whatever is the name of that song) again, that would be fine. But, when or if I do, I will think of Mrs. Rauch.
Which brings me to the most dis-heartening, but blessed part of this testimonial to Mrs. Rauch. After finishing High School, getting a BS in Electrical Engineering, serving as an Officer/Pilot in the Air Force for 20 years and training men how to fly jet airplanes, getting my Masters in Electrical Engineering, starting a home business in Desktop Publishing, working as an Administrative Assistant in a Charter School—and finally, now adding working part-time for a neuro-science-based corporation to my life—I train teachers how to use a computer-based program that develops neurological pathways in the brain which results in superior improvements in all academic studies (primarily Reading & Language Skills) and basic life skills (such as self-esteem, behavior).
I know that is “too much information,” but the point is—on Wednesday, May 16th I was presenting an End-of-Year review at a school District south of Dallas, TX . During my presentation, complimenting these teachers on their implementation and the impact they had made on 1500+ students during the year, I mentioned my 103+ year-old, friend, 6th grade teacher, and mentor of which I’d done my best to keep in contact with since I left her class (obviously, Mrs. Rauch).
Thus…my great sadness in hearing of Mrs. Rauch’s passing on that very day. But—it only proves that the “circle of life” does exist. I feel her education of me and her impact on my life will continue as I educate others in what ever profession with which I am involved.
I have tried my best to keep in touch with Mrs. Rauch after I left Edgemont in 1968 to attend college, during her move to Avon & Kadoka, and her time in Belvidere, as well as her short stay in Philip. She will always be on my mind and I will use her as an example in my future trainings.
Mrs. Rauch’s obituary is right on target: “Her wants were few, and she was always content.” “Education was her primary interest in life.” My parents, my sister, and I will forever remember Mrs. Rauch.
Douglas S. Porter Esther & Harry Porter Terry Durham
San Antonio, TX Edgemont, SD Palos Verdes Estates, CA
P.S. I always found it interesting that, because I lived in Anchorage, AK for three years, the first of every year she always discussed the Idirod Dog-sled Race with me! So…her sports interests were far beyond just baseball!
~ Douglas S. Porter / Esther & Harry Porter / Terry Durham
San Antonio, TX / Edgemont, SD / Palos Verdes Estates, CA (5/16/2007)
Pat & I were honored to attend Mrs. Rauch's 100th birthday celebration three years ago. Amazing how she remembered me after all those years. She taught me in third grade, 8th grade Social Studies, & three years of Art class in high school. Mrs. Rauch & her husband spent time out at our ranch fishing in the summers in one of our stock dams on the creek. They loved to fish for bass. I would jump on my bike and ride down to the dam to visit. I just loved her. My last year of art class, we did ceramics & I gave her a piece that I had made for a grade. Three years ago, she reminded me of the piece and said that she still had it. Thank you, Mrs. Rauch for being such a wonderful & caring person. My sympathy goes out to your family. You will be sorely missed.
~ Kathleen M. Beebe
302 North 20th Street, Hot Springs, SD (5/16/2007)
Mrs. Rauch was my 7th grade teacher in Edgemont and my favorite teacher of all time. I can still hear her reciting "The Raven" and "Evangeline". She instilled a love of classic literature in me and an excitement for learning. I feel I am a life-long learner and became an elementary principal because of her influence. I always felt I was her "favorite student" but I'm sure many others have claimed that distinction. However, she did come to my bridal shower and I was very honored. Emma was one of those rare people that could make words on a page come alive and could inspire students to imagine what was and what could be. When I envision her I see her smiling at the front of the class and drawing a beautiful tree while reciting James Joyce's famous poem about trees. She was a remarkable lady full of grace and beauty. She will be missed.
~ Kathy Day Conlon
4215 Three Rivers Dr., Rapid City, SD 57701 (5/16/2007)
We were sorry to hear of Emma's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I have some wonderful and funny memories of our times together. She really was a remarkable person.
~ Hopper Family
Australia (5/16/2007)
I remember Emma from the years she taught in Edgemont. She did truly encourage students to do their best. Emma lived a full life!
~ Sharon Simons Frye
slfrye@hughes.net (5/16/2007)
We will miss Emma. She was one of our favorite relatives and we will remember her stories and think of her every time we make kolache.
~ Lyn Steen, Laura and Benjamin Blom
Rapid City, SD (5/16/2007)
Mrs. Rauch's Family,
Mrs. Rauch was my third grade teacher in Edgemont. I just loved her. She was a wonderful teacher and took time with her students. I come from a large family and we were pretty poor at that time. The summer after 3rd grade I received the Weekly Reader magazine in the mail. Your mother had bought it for me because she knew I loved to read. I'm sure this is just one of the many wonderful things that she did for her students. My deepest sympathies to all of her family. She was truly a wonderful woman.
~ Trudy Standen Dibble
Edgemont, SD (5/16/2007)
We wish to extend to you our love and prayers. I have many memories of Dad & Mom (Roy & Claudine Cacek) taking us down to Edgemont to visit Aunt Emma when I was little. She was a wonderful lady. I know she must have always had many stories to share with others for she had witnessed many many changes throughout the years and touched many lives. She will be missed, but never ever forgotten. With our love, Linda & Bruce Holmes, Claudine Cacek and Kathleen Lester
~ Linda Holmes
1151 Needles Drive (5/16/2007)
Emily, I just read your mom's obituary. She was an amazing woman. She did a lot of good in her life. What impressed me is that she did not have a lot of wants so was satisfied with her life. We would all be so much better off if we had this attitude. I know you will miss her--you knew her as only a daughter can. Our sympathy to you all.
~ Judy Daly
Midland, SD (5/16/2007)
Mrs. Rausch was my teacher in Edgemont in both 3rd grade and then again in 8th grade for Social Studies and Art. In more recent years I had stopped by to see Emma in her home in Avon a couple time when I'd travel through there. I would knock on the trailer door, she'd say "come in," and as soon as I walked in she knew who I was...even though I was only one of so, so many students who had the pleasure of her instruction. She was an amazing woman and a great teacher. My wife Brenda and I want to express our sympathy to Emma's family. Brenda and Emma's granddaughter Tracy were classmates in Kadoka. We are both honored and blessed to have known this great woman.
~ Brad Johnson
4026 Brooke St., Rapid City, SD (5/16/2007)
To Emily and Ronnie and all of Emma's relatives ----I am sorry to hear of Emma's passing and extend my sympathy to all of you. Emma was a great lady and I always felt that she was not only a true friend but like a second mother to me. I always knew that when I could not get home I could always go to her place. She will always have a special place in my memory. Ross Albin
~ Ross Albin
567 Shoshone, Powell, WY 82435 (5/16/2007)
Emily and family~
We are sorry to hear that you have lost Emma. It has been a tough spring for the Sammons family. These patriarchs and matriarchs are such an important part of a family's history! We hope that you have all those good stories and life lessons that Emma probably shared with her children and grandchildren to pass along to the great grandones now! They help keep everyone grounded!! That generation of people really experienced life like nobody does anymore. Our sympathies to all of you.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville, SD (5/16/2007)
I took care of Emma at the Philp hospital I will never forget the day I met her, I gave her a teddy bear and everyday after that, everytime I saw her she had it in her arms and she called him TEDDY.... Emma I will miss you forever but I will never forget you, Give teddy a big hug for me and tell him to take care of you on your journey home... Rest in peace "EMMA". Emily if you need anything all you have to do is call....
~ Krystal Noteboom
Philip, SD (5/16/2007)
Emma was a beautiful lady. She was my Mom's teacher and she always told me how much she loved her and remembered her beautiful handwriting. God blessed her with a long life
~ Etta (Peters) Evans
Colmesneil, TX (5/16/2007)
We were saddened to hear the news of Emma's passing. I know that she was dear to all her family and those who knew her.Please know that we will be praying for all of the family. God's grace is sufficient.
~ Rick, Pat & Kara Lanier
306 Haywood Road, Lexington, NC 27295 (5/16/2007)
Emma was a wonderful lady and pleasure to work with at the Philip hospital. We're all going to miss her terribly.
You're in my prayers.
~ Cori Barber
Kadoka, SD (5/16/2007)
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Emily and family. I always remember when you made the trips to visit your Mom, you said you ate sunflower seeds. Keep your precious memories forever.
~ Delia Harty
Milesville, SD (5/16/2007)