Frances (Nethercut) Rauth

Frances Nethercut Rauth, 90, passed away at home surrounded by her children on December 22, 2021. Frances was born in Chicago, IL. in 1931 to Dr. Glenway and Margaret (Walker) Nethercut. Early on, she became interested in poetry, theater, and dance. She recalled feeling great success in high school when she played Emily, the lead role in “Our Town” and Katrin, in “I Remember Mama”. During this time, her 5th grade friend, Paul Rauth, became the love of her life.

In 1949, she enrolled in the University of Wisconsin to major in modern dance. When the Korean War began, she transferred to Western Michigan College to be closer to her fiancé Paul and changed her major to science and education. In 1952, they were married in Oak Park, IL. During Paul’s military service they spent time at Fort Riley, KS and Fort Bragg, NC. Fran remembered it as an interesting experience but she was happy when they moved to Marshall, MI where she completed her masters at Michigan State University. Fran taught science at Springfield H.S. and Marshall H.S. Later in her career she was employed by the Michigan Department of Social Services from which she retired in 1991.

Fran and Paul desperately wanted children. Unfortunately, doctors said this was highly unlikely. An opportunity arose to teach at the International School in Kodaikanal in southern India. So, they made new plans to fill their life together with adventure and service to others. Prior to departing, much to their surprise and delight, son Glenway was born and off to India they went. While there, the family grew when they had Margi and Paul F. (they certainly proved the doctors wrong - or as Fran would say, “after all it is just the PRACTICE of medicine”) They spent four years in Kodai teaching and nurturing their young family. This was the defining experience of their lives as it had great impact on how they viewed the world and the people around them.

Upon returning to Marshall, they settled back into teaching, bought a home, and raised three children. Fran was a creative, supportive and loving mother. Reading, writing, drawing, music, and outdoor activities were all part of the daily routine. The family enjoyed camping and climbing in Colorado, canoeing, apple picking, and numerous summer trips to the, now 4th generation, family cottage in northern Michigan.

When Fran and Paul retired, they spent their “five month” summers at the cottage. They loved walking the beach, hiking the woods, basking in the light of Lake Michigan sunsets, swimming in Crystal Lake, and canoeing the Platte and Betsie Rivers. Fran took up painting and sketching, inspired by the beach, water, trees, birds, and butterflies. Other highlights included traveling and singing with the Benzie Community Chorus and directing and preforming in many theatrical productions.

In 1994, they moved to Frankfort, however, this proved to be too far from “home” and the grandkids. So, in 2000, they returned to Marshall where Fran continued her activism and involvement with church, theater, library, the zoo, and countless other organizations. Connecting with people brought her great joy. She was always corresponding with friends and family including acquaintances made long ago.

Fran was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grand mother, great grandmother, and friend who never gave up listening to and loving those around her.  She cared for this earth and focused on the good in the world. To this day she continues to comfort and nurture her kids with the poems, notes, and gifts she left for them to find. (thanks Mom!)

Fran was preceded in death by husband Paul. She is survived by her sister Carol (Fred) Edmonds, children Glenway (Kelly Roscher) Rauth, Margi Brown, Paul F. Rauth, grandchildren Selena (Greg) Beers, Krystoph Rauth, great grandson Hayden Beers, and her feisty feline friend Sabrina Marie.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jose Valle who went above and beyond the call to care as well as Connie, Stacey, and Erin with Oaklawn Hospice for their warmth, comfort, and compassion during Fran’s final days. Words fail to express what a wonderful gift they were.

Kempf Family Funeral Home is serving the family during this time. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall in late spring of 2022. The date and time have yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, Fran requested donations be made to your favorite charity or to Marshall’s Fountain Clinic or Marshall Area Community Services.