Norma V. Rau

Norma V. (Butler) Rau, age 100, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at the Brook of Newaygo.  She was born February 12, 1919 in Ensley Township, the daughter of John William and Minnie (Topping) Butler. Norma was an exceptionally loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cancer survivor and proud member of the United States Marine Corp. Her passions included collecting antiques, going to garage sales with her sisters and being the family genealogist. She grew up on a farm in Ensley Township, Newaygo County. She attended Flowing Well School through the eighth grade. She then moved to the Village of Newaygo and lived with host families so she could attend Newaygo High School until she graduated in 1937. With the help of her brother Don she was able to come home on weekends. After graduation she moved to Grand Rapids and attended business school and worked as a compt operator at Armour & Co. In 1943 she enlisted in the Marines and was stationed at Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA where she was a cook and attained the rank of sergeant. She was on active duty from 1943 to 1946 and in the reserves from 1946 to 1949. Returning to Grand Rapids, she worked for McInerney Spring and Wire in the office. A co-worker knew that the perfect match for Norma would be her brother Ken Rau. Betty Rau went on to become not only her sister-in-law but a life-long friend. Norma and Ken married in Grand Rapids at St. Mary's Church on October 1, 1949. They lived in Grand Rapids and raised a son Thomas and daughter Karen. In 1956 they purchased property on Big Whitefish Lake and built a summer cottage. The cottage became a gathering place for extended family and friends. Many cherished memories were made there. It became their full-time home in 1995. Norma continued to live there until 2019. She then moved to the Brook of Newaygo where she passed away at age 100. Special thanks to the staff of the Brook for the loving and thoughtful care they gave Norma. Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Rau and son, Tom Rau; brothers and sisters, Harold, Foster, Nelda, Donald, Leonard, Neva, JaNeta, Rachel and Ruth. She is survived by daughter, Karen (Jack) Hickok; brother, Morey (Joanne) Butler; sister-in-law, Betty Rau; daughter-in-law, Shirley Rau; grandchildren, Tim Hickok, Eric Hickok, Ken (Chandra) Rau, and Betsey Rau; 4 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. The family will greet friends Thursday, October 24 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, October 25 at 11:00 am at Mary Queen of Apostles, Sand Lake. Rev. Fr. Lam Le celebrant. Interment with military honors at North Ensley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Spectrum Health Hospice or the American Cancer Society.