Esther Mae Rauch, 79, of Little Rock, passed away on July 27, 2015, surrounded by family and
loved ones at home. Born August 17, 1935, to the late Terry Buck and Ethel (Mahan) Bryant in
Damascus, Arkansas, Esther attended Mabelvale high School, marrying her high school
sweetheart, Don Fletcher. They had 4 children that became the joy of her life. Esther was a
devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and rarely met a stranger. She
worked for Patients without Partners, a spiritual and social service for cancer patients, visited
homes, institutions, and led grief counseling, and volunteered extensively, giving of herself as
she believed the Lord asks of all of us. She worked medical mission trips to Haiti, with
orphanages in Central America, Hospice, the Compassion Center, and opened her home to
many in need, including international students, community groups, and her large family. She
helped start the memorial Fletcher park in honor of son Alan, and the Christian Waterbrook
camp. Esther fully embraced life, traveled to the Holy Land, Europe, and most every state, was
a gifted gardener, competitive basketball player, talented dancer, had a great heart for people
and nature, loved music and to share laughter.
Esther is preceded in death by her first husband of 34 years, Don Fletcher; her second husband
of 14 years, Harry Rauch Jr, a decorated WWII veteran; her son Alan Fletcher; one brother,
Johnny Bryant; and two great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Kluane Cordell. They are now
reunited in Heaven’s celebration. She is survived by her three children: Margie and (Dan)
Cordell of Alaska; Donnie and (Connie) Fletcher; and Shannon Fletcher, all of Little Rock; Eight Grandchildren: Jamie, Amy, and Adam and (Angela) Cordell; Micah and (David) Rice; Abby,
Casey and (Samantha), Caleb, and Kagan Fletcher, all of Little Rock; and Eleven great
grandchildren; her siblings Ted and (Marie) Bryant, Bobbie Courtney, and James Cash, all of
Little Rock; and multitudes of nieces, nephews, and other loved family and friends. She reunited
with a special life long friend, Bobby Johnson, at their high school reunion, after both were
widowed, and they shared happy years together traveling, camping at the ocean, enjoying
family and friends. She continued to light up when he visited her, till the very end of her days.
Esther was filled with love for everyone till the very end, and touched many lives. We welcome
all to celebrate this very special lady.
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Visitation will be August 8th, 2015, at 12:00 pm, with Memorial Services following at 1:00 pm in
the Hillcrest Chapel located at 4401 Woodlawn, Little Rock, Arkansas, with Elder Paul Barber of
Celebration Christian Church officiating. Services are entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests
may register at www.arkansascremation.com.
The family would like to acknowledge all the caregivers that graced Esther’s life in assisted living, nursing and home health, and hospice. She goes now to her glory in Jesus’ loving embrace, free from earthly troubles, sickness and death. Flowers may be delivered directly to Arkansas Cremation or directly to Hillcrest Chapel the day of service.
Esther will be placed with her beloved Harry at the Veterans Cemetery, also right beside her dear brother-n-law Dan Fletcher.
Services are entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. Guests may register at www.arkansascremation.com.
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