SOLDIER – Barbara E. Grau, 77, of Soldier, passed away on Friday, March 22, 2024 at her home.

She was born June 20, 1946 at Sabetha, the daughter of Vernon and Dorothy Woolaway Renyer.  She graduated as Valedictorian of her class from Auburn High School in 1964.

Barbara worked for the U.S. Marine Corps, and then for thirty-three years in administration at Sante Fe Railroad in Topeka.

She was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton and the Altar Society at the church.  She also helped with the Religious Education program at the church.

She married John Grau on January 10, 1970 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka.  He survives, of the home.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, Kathryn Caviness, and a son, Brad Grau.

Other survivors include a son-in-law, Andy Caviness (Cassandra), Hoyt, two brothers, Gary Renyer and Dennis Renyer, both of Topeka, one sister, Karen Tolbert, Lawrence, and three grandchildren, Colin Caviness, Ethan Caviness and Lauryn Caviness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 27th at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton.  Burial will follow in the Soldier Cemetery.   Barbara will lie in state Tuesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton where a Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to St. Dominic Catholic Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS  66436.