Gayle Warwick Rauschenberg

The Rauschenberg family announces the passing of Gayle Warwick Rauschenberg, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister; trusted friend; and faithful servant of God on March 30, 2024. She found peace in the comfort of her home in the presence of family and with her beloved poodle companion, Sadie, curled up by her side. She is survived by her daughters, Lisa Hammond, Kristi Kaye, and Claire Rauschenberg, brother Ron, and sister-in-law Connie, brother Glen and sister-in-law Susan, sons-in-law, Daryl Hammond and Ken Kaye, and grandchildren Kendra Kaye Main, Grace Hammond and Ruby Barth. Gayle had struggled with an increasing loss of mobility since the loss of her husband of 61 years, Fritz, to cancer in 2022. He was her caregiver and best friend.

Gayle was born in Denver, Colorado to Rubye Keene Warwick and William Adrian Warwick on November 14, 1941. When Gayle was nine, she, her mother and three brothers, Bill, Ron and Glen moved to Atlanta to be closer to Rubye’s sisters. The three sisters opened Peter Pan Nursery, a daycare center, in East Atlanta soon thereafter. Gayle had fond memories of helping care for the children. She was extremely close to her mother, who worked hard to create an enjoyable childhood for her and her siblings, which was characterized by good Southern cooking, stylish homemade clothes and sock hops, costume parties, and church functions.

She met her husband, Fritz, at Murphy High School, and they married after graduation on June 17, 1961. Fritz earned an associate degree in mechanical engineering from Southern Polytechnic University in Marietta, GA, and the couple set about starting a family in Stone Mountain. Gayle and Fritz welcomed their first child, Linda, on August 21, 1964, but she was born with spina bifida, a severe birth defect and died only three days later. They were heartbroken and relied on the support of their family and friends to cope. On September 19, 1965, Lisa was born and on September 11, 1967, Kristi was born. Gayle’s primary focus was raising and caring for her daughters. Seven years later on December 14, 1974, Claire was born.

The family thrived in subsequent years and spent a lot of time at Avondale First Baptist Church where they were active members and made lasting memories and friendships. Gayle taught kindergarten at the church when the girls were younger, and when Claire began school, she made a special connection with Ed and Gloria Jacobson and began working as an administrative assistant at Peachtree Associates, a medical software provider in Decatur. Her career evolved, and she flourished as a software trainer. She enjoyed her job at Peachtree Associates well into the 2000s.

Gayle suffered a heavy blow in 1986 when her mother died. She had cared for her while she was sick for many years, juggling her family responsibilities with her role of caregiver. In the years following, Gayle and Fritz married all three girls and enjoyed their grandchildren, family and friends. Gayle remained close to all three of her brothers, though the eldest, Bill, passed away. Her brother Ron and sister-in-law Connie became Gayle and Fritz’s constant companions in their senior years, as they live nearby in Dunwoody.

Gayle will be remembered for her kindness, sharp wit, and warm personality. She was an excellent cook and sewed beautiful clothes for her children and grandchildren. She and Fritz shared a deep connection to one another and to spirituality. Family and friends should find solace in their reunion in the afterlife, fully restored and celebrating eternal peace.

A visitation will be held for Gayle on Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET at Floral Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 3150 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, GA 30084, followed by a memorial service from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make donations to the Shepherd Center Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at floralhillsfuneral.com for the Rauschenberg family.