Robert Keith Raben

Bob was born as the 4th son to Carrie (Morris) Raben and James Anthony Raben. Bob had

two older brothers, William (Bill) and James Richard (Jim). A third son, Michael, died as an

infant. Bob grew up on the family farm east of Ridgway, Like the rest of the family, Bob

worked on the farm as he grew up, but it was clear from an early age he was never

interested in being a farmer.

Bob attended through 8th grade at St. Joseph's Catholic School and graduated from

Ridgway High School in 1971. After that he went to Southern Illinois University at

Carbondale as Bill and Jim had before him. Bob decided he wanted to major in

Photography, rather than Agriculture. While at SIU Bob pledged and joined the Alpha

Gamma Rho fraternity where he made several lifelong friends.

Always a free spirit, Bob was never content to remain in one place for very long. For a time

after his college graduation, he returned to Gallatin County. He owned and operated a

photography studio in Shawneetown for a short time. Several area people hired him for

studio portraits and weddings. Bob did excellent photography.

Bob gravitated to warm climates. After leaving our area, he lived in and around New

Orleans as well as Arizona. One of the many jobs he had was photographing surgeries that

several New Orleans hospitals used in their brochures and files. While Bob never stayed in

any one location for long, he never had a problem securing a good job, usually within days

after the move. A couple of jobs he had were as Manager of a nursing home and a state

highway job he held in Mississippi. Bob had an easy-going, laid-back personality, a friendly

smile, and loads of charm

Bob married Teresa Marquis in 1991, a marriage that lasted almost 30 years. Together

they raised their daughter, Rachel, who was deeply loved by both parents. Today Rachel is

in service in the Air Force and is currently stationed in El Paso,Texas , where she works as a meteorologist.

Bob's parents and two brothers have predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter,

Rachel, one brother Bill (Brenda) , and one sister-in-law, Marilyn. Nieces and nephews:

Matthew, Bronwyn, Joseph, Beau, Christina, Braxton, and Jordan. There are also several

Grand Nieces and Grand Nephews.

Funeral mass will be held Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway, IL with Fr. Tom Barrett.
 Internment will immediately follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Ridgway, IL. 

In Lieu of flowers a Memorial Contribution can be made to St. Joseph Cemetery.