Benjamin Henry Rauch

Published 6:25 pm Monday, October 16, 2006

HERMISTON Benjamin Henry Rauch of Pendleton died Tuesday, Sept. 25 as a result of a car accident near Echo.

Ben was born June 21, 1953 in Heppner, Oregon to Henry “Hank” Rauch and Patricia L. Pierson Rauch. Ben married Debi Allen of Pendleton in 1974 and they had three children; Jeremy of Tumwater, Wash., Ashleigh and Gavin of Walla Walla, Wash. Ben later married Jill Fisher of Tri-Cities, Wash. on Jan. 24, 2003.

Ben was an immensely loving man, and he loved his family above all else; they were his passion and dedication. Ben also loved to meet new people no one was a stranger for long to Ben; they became a friend he would always stand up for and never forget. Ben had a gift of never forgetting a face or a name. A simple trip to the store with Ben was never simple; he seemed to know everyone in every aisle! Ben had a great ability to tell stories, and they never failed to improve with each telling. Ben’s sense of humor was remarkable as well and his laugh could be heard across a crowded room. He loved a good joke and would slap his leg and laugh uproariously.

Ben graduated from Pendleton High School in 1971 and pursued a lifelong career of a mechanic and farming. His hobbies and interests were tinkering with anything mechanical, playing pool, horse-shoes, bowling, searching for antique bottles and mechanical pieces, cars, and anything with a motor.

Ben’s parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife Jill Rauch, his children Jeremy, Ashleigh, and Gavin, and his step-children Steven and Jennifer Fisher. Ben’s siblings are Kay Bailey of Athena, David of Athena, Karl of California, Bill of Fort Collins, Colorado, and Ted of Portland. Ben has four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church of Pendleton in Pendleton, Oregon with a reception to follow at the Pendleton Elks Lodge. Phone inquiries may be made to 566-3836. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in charge of the arrangements.