Katherine Nicole (Katie Willis) Rauch – September 8, 2021

Katherine Nicole (Katie Willis) Rauch

Katie, our sweet wife, mom, grandma, sister, daughter, and most of all, “Best Friend,” left us on September 8, 2021. Our hearts ache, but Katie finally has peace.

Katie was born on January 31, 1978, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She spent her young childhood on a farm in Freeport where she learned to ride horses like a pro. Her family moved to New Philadelphia, but her heart was always in the country.

Katie attended St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School in Dennison, Ohio through 8th grade. Then she went on to Tuscarawas Central Catholic and finished school in New Philadelphia High School.

On December 31, 1999, Katie married her best friend, Jason Rauch. They were married in the millennium in a fairytale wedding with everyone they loved in attendance.

She and Jason went on to raise three beautiful daughters, Alexis “Lexie,” Haley, and Jacqueline “Jaycee.” When asked about hobbies, Katie would have replied, “My Daughters.” They were her world. Katie leaves behind two granddaughters as well, Gracelynn “Gracie Girl,” and Aubree, and little “Autumn,” to be born in November. Katie, as a mother, and grandmother set the standard for all mothers. She would sometimes say “I can’t do it anymore, but I know quitting is not an option.”That is how she lived her whole life.

One of her biggest accomplishments was her position as Boltaron Thermoplastics Company in Newcomerstown. She was so proud of her work there and made so many lasting friendships.

Among Katie’s favorite things was the autumn season. The smells, decorating, candles; especially salted caramel, and bonfires with friends. This was Katie’s happiest time.

Her later days were spent on a property in Dover, Ohio where Jason and Katie had planned to be and call home. Her ashes will be placed there and she will be home.

Katie is preceded in death by her grandma, Jackie Risdon; step-grandpa, Fred Risdon; grandpa, George Campbell; grandma, Ruth Willis, and grandpa, Blythe Willis.

She is survived by her husband and best friend, Jason Rauch of Dover; her mother and father, John and Robin Willis of New Philadelphia; step-grandmother, Raye Anne Campbell, three daughters, Lexie (Lane), Haley (Tim), and Jaycee (Grant), of New Philadelphia, two granddaughters, Gracie, Aubree, and “Autumn.” Katie leaves one sibling, Brittany “Sissy” (Lon) Boring of Dover, and a niece, Stella.

Katie lived life simply. Family truly was everything, it’s all that mattered.

A memorial service will be held Monday, September 13, 2021, at 6:00 pm at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. Friends are invited to call on Monday from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm.

On September 25, 2021, a celebration of Katie’s life will be held at 4917 Boy Scout Road, Dover, Ohio starting at 4:00 pm. Food and beverages will be provided. A very casual event welcoming Katie home. All are welcome.