Roberta Rausch

Rausch, Roberta (Bobbie) Josephine Hartnett, 87, passed away on October 25, 2019, at The Mayflower in Winter Park, where she had been living for the past ten years. She was born to Robert D. Hartnett and Mary Gremer Hartnett in Tampa (Hillsborough Co.), Florida.

Bobbie received her Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Florida in 1953. It was there that she met the love of her life, Ralph Don'L (Don) Rausch.   �After her graduation, they got married and resided in Norfolk, VA, while Don served in the Navy. They then moved to Orlando, FL, where they raised their family, and Don started what has become the landmark business, Colonial Photo & Hobby. Bobbie was married to Don for 54 years until his death in 2009.

If, behind every successful man, is a great woman, indeed, Bobbie was a creative force and provided a vision for growth. She urged Don to buy a former Publix property for Colonial Photo & Hobby, which he was then able to develop into the expansive store it is today. Bobbie's greatest role was the mother of five children. She guided and encouraged each child personally and professionally while creating strong family bonds of trust and love.   Family meant everything to Bobbie.

Bobbie enjoyed playing bridge, and did so as often as possible, reaching a Life Master level.

Bobbie is survived by her five children, Dr. Yvonne Rausch, Stephen Rausch (Cheri), Michael Rausch (Teresa), David Rausch, and Barbara Rausch Meyers (Marc), as well as by her six grandchildren, Jacob Rausch, Christina Rausch, Kevin Rausch, Keith Rausch, Payton Rausch and Taylor Meyers. One grandson, Ryan Meyers, predeceased Bobbie.

Viewing at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 E. Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806 on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, from 6-8 PM. Funeral service at St. James Cathedral, corner of Robinson and Orange Avenue, on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 1:30 PM. Interment at Greenwood Cemetery immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation of Florida, 1040 Woodcock Road, Suite 119, Orlando, FL 32803, www.kidney.org or The National Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.