Grace Proctor Rausch of 831 Dorbe Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, October 4, 2006, at Dove Health Care of Eau Claire. She died peacefully and without pain after a full life of 94 years. She was born in Eau Claire on April 18, 1912, to Benjamin Gage and Mary (Coffin) Proctor. She married George A. Rausch on January 1, 1950, at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 310 Broadway, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. \r\nAfter receiving her degree from UW-Madison in 1934, she started her career as a teacher at Westover School in Connecticut. Later, she moved to Pueblo, Colorado, worked at a bank and met her future husband. After marrying George, she taught in several places, including Colorado, Alabama and Virginia, while George worked for the Department of Defense. \r\nBoth George and Grace retired in 1977 and maintained two residences in Scottsdale, Arizona and New Auburn, Wisconsin. When George died in 1980, Grace returned to Eau Claire to be near her family. \r\nGrace truly enjoyed traveling and went on many adventures whenever the opportunity arose. In her own words (travel diary circa 1993) "...have visited every state in the union... countries visited - all European countries, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Nepal, Russia, Egypt, Morocco, Australia and New Zealand." \r\nWhen at home, she enjoyed being with her family, caring for her dogs, walking through Putnam Drive and participating in the many activities at First Congregational Church, the church of her childhood and wedding. She was a grand, gracious and independent woman, who was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was one of a kind and we will miss her greatly.\r\nGrace is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Dorothy Lyles; many nieces and nephews, including Robert Lyles; George (Olga) R. Lyles; Richard (Martha) I. Lyles III; Michael (Yuni) Lyles; Mary (James) P. Clark; Benjamin (Janet) D. Proctor; Sarah (Steven) P. Lahner; Kate A. Proctor; Catherine (Charles) P. Goble; Ann L. Proctor; William J. Kornitzer and Ralph (Carolyn) W. Owen III. \r\nGrace was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, William and John; her sister, Mary Proctor Owen; her brothers-in-law, Richard I. Lyles, Jr. and Ralph W. Owen, Jr.; her sisters-in-law, Laura M. Proctor and Catherine B. Proctor; her nephews, John B. Proctor and Stephen P. Owen; her nieces, Elizabeth M. Proctor and Jane O. Kornitzer. \r\nA very special thanks goes to Home Instead and all of the wonderful ladies who took care of Grace in her later years. \r\nA memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2006, at First Congregational United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Mark X. Pirazzini officiating. Visitation will be from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Monday at the church. A private family burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery thereafter. Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral&Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to the Senior Choir at First Congregational Church, 310 Broadway, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54703 or the Eau Claire County Humane Association, 3900 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701.

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