Molly Rau, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Her family fondly referred to her as “the Queen.” Molly was born on March 7, 1933, in Texarkana, Arkansas. At a young age, she moved to North Carolina to live with her mother and grandparents while her father fought in World War ll. After the war, she moved to Houston and became a Texan! In 1954, she married Robert J. Rau (Bob) and moved to Germany while Bob served in the United States Army.
In 1964, Bob’s job brought them to Baton Rouge. She started her career as a volunteer serving Baton Rouge, the State of Louisiana, and her country. Her leadership in many organizations through the years exemplified the contributions she made through her community service, especially in the areas of domestic violence, adult literacy, and safety. As a charter member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Lagniappe Woman’s Club, she held many offices including President. She was the recipient of the 1999 GFWC Lagniappe Woman of the Year Award. She was the State President of the General Federation of Women’s Club, the South-Central Region President of GFWC, and served as the GFWC National Literacy Chairman. During her many roles with GFWC, one of Molly’s favorite achievements was raising funds to create the handicap trails at Chicot State Park. Later, she was asked to serve on the Louisiana State Parks and Recreation Commission for which she served for 20 years under four different governors. Molly was selected as a 1994 Baton Rouge Volunteer Activist of the Year by the Speech, Language, and Hearing Association for her many years of service. Recognized as one of the Distinguished Women of Louisiana, she was featured at the Louisiana Archives Building alongside Robin Roberts and Britney Spears, which at the time, her young grandchildren thought was cool. Molly was a volunteer counselor with the Louisiana Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program.
Molly was a member of the Broadmoor United Methodist Church for over 58 years and was currently in the HOPE Church Circle. She enjoyed the many years of participating in the Church Taste Fairs and supporting the Methodist Children’s Home.
Molly enjoyed cooking, collecting cookbooks, playing Bridge, and traveling. She and Bob enjoyed traveling in their motorhome across the United States to see friends and family. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on her LSU Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies each weekend or supporting her grandchildren and son-in-law, Steve, at their sporting events!
Molly had a spirit for life and loved a good time with family and friends. A highlight in her life was seeing Garth Brooks in Tiger Stadium with her family!
She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Ashford and husband Jimmy, Katherine Long and husband Steve, and Kristina Rau; grandchildren, Lauren Long Pizzolato and husband John, Kevin Long, Jordan Long, Scott Ashford and wife Victoria of Shreveport, LA; bonus grandchildren, Cherish Krohn, Jeff Barker, and Martin Anderson; great-grandchildren, McCall and Cy Pizzolato; bonus great-granddaughter, Londyn Barker; sister, Patsy Deal of Richmond, VA; niece, Elaine Lunato; and nephew, Eric Deal. Molly also loved her nieces, Lara Butler and husband, Kenny, and Alicia Curry and husband, Pat, as her own and many other nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Tucker, whom she adopted in 2018 after he captured her heart.
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Rau; mother, Eloise Shearin Quillin Barr; father, Marvin John “Tex” Quillin; sister, Linda Mooney; and nephew, Frank Foster lll.
A visitation for Molly will be held on Thursday, February 16th, from 5-7 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East (11000 Florida Blvd), and again on Friday the 17th at 10 am until service at 11. The pallbearers are men special to Molly; Steve Long, Jimmy Ashford, Kevin Long, Scott Ashford, John Pizzolato, Gregg Ancona, Kenny Butler, Martin Anderson, and Jeff Barker.
