Lyle R. 'Bud' Raugust

Lyle R. 'Bud' Raugust, 70, a longtime resident of Moses Lake, Wash., passed away on Monday, April 7, 2008, at his home.

He was born Feb. 10, 1938, in Lauer (near Odessa) to Rudolph and Margaret (Reiman) Raugust. In 1950 the family moved off the farm into town (Odessa).

During his high school years, Lyle became an excellent baseball player and pitcher. Apparently no matter what he threw at what object, hunting, dirt clods … his aim was on target and was nicknemed "dead-eye." He graduated from Odessa High School in 1956, went into the Army in August 1956, and was in the inactive reserves until 1962.

Lyle attended Central Washinton College, then in 1960 became the owner of the 76 Gas Station in Odessa, sold it and bought the Culligan Soft Water Service franchise, which later became well known as The Soft Water Service. He serviced three counties: Lincoln, Adams and Grant, for a total of 48 years when he retired in 2006.

Lyle was active in the community; played on the local town baseball team until he hurt his knee; acted as a deputy for the County Sheriff; started up a Tiger Shop in Odessa, a place for teenagers to hang out. He was a member of the Odessa Masonic Lodge #156. Around 1976 he moved his business and purchased a home in Moses Lake. He was active in the American Legion, Post 209, the Elks, Eagles, VFW and AMVet. He loved to fish off his dock or by boat.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Melvin Raugust and Eugene Raugust, and his most treasured companion of 22 years, Kelly Hill.

He is survived by his sister, Glady Schroeder of Boise, Idaho, sister-in-law Letha Raugust, nephews Jerry Cathi Raugust, Jon (Vicki) Raugust, Larry Raugust, Jim and Melody Raugust, David (Roni) Schroeder, nieces JoAnn (Peter) Karlsten and Cindy Estrella, and many great nieces and nephews including children and grandchildren of Kelly Hill who have always called Lyle "Dad" and "Grandpa."

Over the years Lyle became a friend to all he came in touch with, his kind heart made him a caregiver to many people. His quick wit, humor and presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him … his great niece said, "There isn't just one word to describe all the nice things about Uncle Bud."

The family would like to thank Dr. Earl, along with David and Pat Russell for their diligent help and caregiving. A special thanks to Larry Tracy, a longtime friend and Attorney who has always gone the extra mile to show his patience, respect and guidance with a great amount of humor.

Thanks also to neighbors and friends, Mark and Sue Benson of Benson Family Funeral Services for handling arrangements.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Legion 538 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake or the Eagles Lodge #2622, 1517 W. Broadway Ave., Moses Lake.