Grace Elizabeth Raigosa

Grace Elizabeth MacIntosh, Keller, Raigosa

Born June 19, 1934 - July 5, 2023

Grace was born in West Batavia, New York on the Family Farm on Lear Road 14020. Grace was born to Jack MacIntosh and his wife Marion Barwell Macintosh. Grace’s father was a carpenter and a Veteran, while her mother, Marion, worked at the School for the Blind. Grace is the oldest of four girls; Doris, Millie, and Ruth. Grace has one surviving sister, Millie Ruffalo who lives in Auburn, CA.

Grace met her children’s father, Hank Keller, at a church function called Youth for Christ. The two were married in Fort Eerie, Canada on the Justice of the Peace’s front porch. Hank was a Heavy Equipment Operator and a Veteran. Grace was a full-time mother, and later in life was a Nurse’s aide and an Educator. Grace and Hank had five children, four of whom are still living, John (Ninna) Keller, Sonia Keller LaPointe, Sarah Keller, and Sandy Keller. Sadly, their son James Keller passed away in 2015. Grace remembers that when her children were younger, if they had a disagreement she would make them give each other a hug until they were truly sorry.

Grace was a Stephens Minister through her church (Pioneer Methodist Church) and loved it so much that she eventually became a Methodist Minister and served a church community in Montague CA. Grace has always loved to learn. She has volunteered in many community events and groups, one of them being Rotary. Grace loves people and helping others, it is just in her nature. She has always held the indigenous peoples close to her heart and has worked tirelessly to encourage, out of love and support for the good of “The People.” Grace especially loves God and her family.

An interesting fact: Grace and her husband Hank lived with the Blackfoot Tribe in Canada for a period of time, with their two small children, John and Sonia, at the beginning of their marriage. The two were doing mission work, and it was because of the work they were doing that the people they served held a special ceremony where Grace was adopted into the Blackfoot Tribe and traditional names were given to the family. Grace is truly an Amazing human being and her name says it all. She is called by some “Amazing Grace.”

Grace chose to live in the Auburn Ravine Terrace (ART) Skilled Nursing Community for the past, close to nine years of her life. She was happy to be a part of that community and those who serve that community served her well. She and her family are so grateful to the ART staff and community that have loved and cared for Grace these past years. Nyaweh (This means we give thanks to our Creator for you all).

Grace is survived by several Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, and Great-Great Grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and great nieces, nephews, and a great-great niece and nephew. So many loved ones, and extended family that it would take too much to count even though they all count. Grace’s love will live on forever and she will be forever loved. We are grateful for her and she is missed. Blessings.

Service of Remembrance and Celebration for Grace will be held Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 1:30 to 2:30PM at Pioneer United Methodist Church, 1338 Lincoln Way, Auburn, California 95603.

A reception to follow from 3:00PM to 5:00 PM at Chapel of the Hills, 1331 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheHills-Auburn.com for the Raigosa family.