Barbara Rau Obituary

Barbara Rau 4/26/1927 ~ 2/14/2008 Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Barbara Lee Jenkins Van Roosendaal Rau, set aside her ailing mortal body on the morning of Valentine's Day, 2008. She has gone to rejoin her beloved husband and love of her life, Arien "Bud" Van Roosendaal, who was prematurely taken from her in 1965. She is also predeceased by her parents, Edgar Louis Jenkins and Gladys McQueary Jenkins, her infant granddaughter Erin Van Roosendaal, and her second husband, John Clarence Rau. Barbara will be missed by her sister and brother, Patricia Jenkins Johnson of Salt Lake City and Charles Jenkins of Texas; and by her children: Gary and Jeanne Van Roosendaal of St. George, Utah; Dan and Mary Ann Van Roosendaal of Wilmington, Mass; and Joan and Greg Berrevoets of Skandia, Mich. Gary's and Jeanne's children Tammy, Kathryn, James, Abbie and Kristin knew her as "Grandma Wow" kand remember her fondly for her eternal stash of taffy and her limitless pots of the best chili in the Southwest. Dan and Mary Ann's kids John and Elizabeth called her "Bubba Barb" and knew she was always good for a great big hug, a challenging game of dominos or cribbage, and a treat passed behind mom's and dad's back. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Sarah, Madeline, Emma, Kira, Jakob, Kaeden, Carter, Kenneth and Kassidy who hardly got to know her. Barbara made many life-long friends, some during her many years of work at hospitals in Albuquerque and Salt Lake, and others over cards, a table of dominos, or a jigsaw puzzle. She enjoyed swapping romance and mystery novels with her friends and family and was happy to tell stories about her kids and grandkids and show their pictures. At Preston Place Apartments in Salt Lake City, where Barbara lived for several years, she gladly took on the role of indispensable helper, care giver, and confidant to many of the residents. She loved making Sunday dinner her stuffed peppers were almost as legendary as her chili and she was a devoted eater of cookies. At Barbara's request, there will be no funeral. Memorial services will be held in Salt Lake City at a later date. We'll miss you, Grandma. Until we meet again.

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Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Feb. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Rau

4 Entries

Carol Lynn Metcalf

February 17, 2008

Barbara was loved for the love and care she gave my Aunt Margaret. They were almost inseperable. Barbara made it possible for Margaret to stay in her home at Preston Place with Barbara and all the other people who became her extended family. Thanks to your family for sharing Barbara with Artell, Margaret, Janet Ann and Carol Lynn.

Sonja Peasley

February 17, 2008

Dearest family of my friend Barbara: I share your immeasurable loss of a wonderful and special lady with you. I have known Barbara for many years, first as a customer in the convenience store near Preston Place, where I worked for many years, and secondly, when I moved into Preston Place Senior Apts. after I left the retail grocery world due to ill health. Barbara was the best kind of friend, always helping everbody with anything, smiling, fun to be with, and thoughtful. I was so delighted to see her again when I moved into Preston Place in August 2003. It was like old home week. We picked up our friendship all over again right away. The only thing that had changed was that her beloved little furry friend, Mandy, had passed away. She used to go everywhere with Barbara, including my store, and was such a cutie. I have so many fond memories of Barbara that I cannot possibly fit them all in this space; suffice it to say, I loved her as a person, and a neighbor, and will always miss her presence here. When she moved to St. George, it was a sad day for Preston Place. I am glad that she is reunited with her dear husband Bud, whom she often talked about, and I am happy that she is no longer suffering with health problems, but I miss her and always will. God bless all of you as you cope with this void in your lives. May you find comfort in knowing that so many people love her dearly. Sincerely, Sonja Peasley.

Pat Johnson

February 17, 2008

The pictures of Barb brought back a lot of memories; she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. We all know that she is no longer suffering.
Much love to all,
Aunt Pat

February 17, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Barbara. I did Barbara's hair when she lived at Preston Place. I enjoyed her so much. Barbara talked always about her children, grand children and her trips to visit you. Barbara was a dear sweet lady. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Carla Mortensen

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