January 28, 1936– October 24, 2026
Valerie Jo Rauscher, 90, of St. Louis was a force of nature. She was the life of the party, loved to dance, and had an infectious laugh that could brighten any room. She was rarely able to remember the punch lines to her jokes, but that hardly mattered. Her stories were entertaining enough on their own, and IF she reached the end, everyone was laughing right along with her. Valerie had a rare gift for bringing joy wherever she went. Life was simply more lively, more memorable, and more fun when Valerie was around, and usually louder.
Educated at St. Francis de Sales and Roosevelt High School, Valerie went on to build a life filled with family, friendships, travel, and adventure. She spent 30 years as an employee of Monsanto, while simultaneously raising three daughters as a single mother. Along the way, she somehow found time to attend classes part-time at Meramec Community College, serve as Amigo Director for Parents Without Partners, and participate for many years in her beloved Sewing Club. We won’t dwell on the fact that there was no sewing done. She was a friend to many and seemed to have a remarkable ability to keep all the pieces of a busy life moving at once.
Valerie was also a world traveler, exploring places far beyond her hometown, but St. Louis was always home.
After retirement, Valerie devoted her considerable energy to what would become one of her greatest joys: being a grandmother. She excelled at this role, and her nine grandchildren can attest to the fact that she was the world’s first and best Babkie. This past year, she was awarded the coveted title Great Babkie with the birth of her first great-grandchild. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy.
Valerie was a resident of Friendship Village in Sunset Hills, Missouri, where she leaves behind her brother, Joseph Rauscher, and many beloved friends.
Valerie was larger-than-life and leaves a larger-than-life void that can only be filled by sharing with each other the love and laughter that she brought into the world.
Surviving Family
Valerie is survived by her brother Joseph Rauscher, her daughters Angela Cracchiolo Anderson (Jerry), Joyce Cracchiolo Schaefer (Steve), Annamaria Cracchiolo Smith (Louis), her grandchildren Cameron Schaefer (Ray Howze), Allison Schaefer, Jacob Smith, Jillian Schaefer, Elsa Smith, Mario Anderson, Erik Anderson, Lydia Smith, and Noah Anderson, and her great-grandchild George Henry Howze.
Service and Remembrance
A visitation will be held at 10am Saturday, November 14 at the Friendship Village Assisted Living Chapel accessible from Friendship Village Assisted Living at 12777 Village Circle Dr., Sunset Hills, MO 63127. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11am at the same location. A luncheon immediately following. Internment private
In celebration of Valerie’s life, please wear your brightest, fanciest hat or her favorite color, lavender.