Marie Elizabeth Rauh, 89, passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida on June 30, 2024.

Marie was born on April 3, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri to John and Marie Markovich. She was the second born of 10 children. Marie graduated from Bishop Hogan High School in 1952.

Marie was a loving mother to four daughters and three stepchildren.  She adored her evergrowing family and she had a gift for creating special memories with them.

She was a proud grandmother to ten grandchildren and one of her greatest joys was finding creative ways to stay involved in their lives despite living far away. These included many family vacations, holiday celebrations, college visits, 21st birthday trips to Las Vegas, choreographed wedding dances and a Sunday morning text chain.

Marie had a zest for life and was known for her sense of humor and razor-sharp wit. She enjoyed playing golf, playing cards with friends and spending time on the lake with her Shepard family.  She had a passion for travel and exploring new cultures. Marie was a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and passed her love of sports to her family. She enjoyed spending quality time with friends and family while laughing over a glass of wine.

Marie had a generous spirit and was devoted to multiple charities during her lifetime. Most recently, she spent countless hours volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in Naples, Florida.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie Markovich and her husbands, Cleadis Shepard (d.1982) Charles Rauh (d.2020) and siblings Theresa, Buddy, Nellie, and Cookie.

She is survived by four daughters; Ellie Mandelbaum (Mark), Patti Halsch (Tom), Cathy Martin (Doug) and Rita Rogers (Randy) three stepchildren; Margaret Cusumano, (Larry d. 2021), Dick Shepard (Connie) and Tom Shepard (Candee); ten grandchildren; Mika, Brett, Katie, Megan, Aron, Annie, Luke, Emmy, Courtney and Abby; twenty great-grandchildren who she lovingly referred to by their first initials; MSEL NJC WJF LJ TOE C LV BS  Siblings; Rita, Joanie, Frank, Richard and Stanley.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life to honor Marie’s amazing life and legacy. In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution in Marie’s name to Habitat for Humanity of Naples or Avow Hospice of Naples.