Kathleen (Kathy) Landis Rauhauser, 79, of York, passed away peacefully on August 1st at York Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family. She was the daughter of the late Judge John Franklin Rauhauser, Jr. and Dorothy Romaine Landis Rauhauser.

Kathy loved her family deeply. She was immensely proud of her children and grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and carrying them in her heart always. She also cherished the lifelong bonds she shared with her sisters, nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. She is survived by her son, Jason Andrew Matthews, and her grandchildren, Lucas Matthews and Brynnley Matthews, all of Harrisburg; her daughter, Amy Elizabeth Matthews, and son-in-law, Christopher Adams, of York; her sisters, Marjory Marsh and her husband, the Rev. John E. Marsh, and Elizabeth Stein and her husband, Douglas Stein; 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 6 great-nephews, 7 great-nieces.

Kathy also treasured the lifelong friendships she formed through the American Field Service exchange program. She is survived by her AFS exchange sister, Elisabeth Haemmig of Switzerland; Gudrun Kastrup of Germany and her family; and the family of her exchange sister, the late Susana Marche Escola, including her husband, Ernesto Escola, and daughter, Natalie DeMetrick, of Lutherville, Maryland.

She dedicated her professional life to serving others. After retiring from the Commonwealth's York County Board of Assistance, she continued helping those in need as an independent advocate at the New Cumberland Military Installation, an independent crisis worker for York County Mental Health, and as a Mary Kay Consultant.

A passionate advocate for equality and justice, Kathy devoted countless hours to improving her community. She served as president of the York Chapter of the National Organization for Women, the York County Federation of Democratic Women, and the York Twinning Association. She was a lifelong feminist who believed deeply in using her voice to uplift others, champion fairness, and create opportunities for women and families.

Kathy was a member of Heidelberg United Church of Christ, the York County Task Force Against Domestic Violence, the Woman's Club of York, York Twinning Association, and the York Area Bird Club. Her commitment to advocacy, compassion, and service touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on the York community.

Those who knew Kathy will remember her vibrant personality, quick wit, the joy she found in party planning, and her unmistakable glitz-and-glam style. Her philosophy was that you could never have too much jewelry or too many beautiful dishes. She was fiercely competitive around the Scrabble board, widely regarded by family and friends as the undisputed "Queen of Scrabble." Games with Kathy were filled with laughter, spirited challenges, and an impressive vocabulary that few could match.

Kathleen also loved birds. She was predeceased by her beloved Grey-cheeked parakeet, Marcel, and her Ruby-breasted grass parakeet, Jasper. In her later years, she found great comfort in the companionship of her Grey-cheeked parakeet, Grayson, who has since found a loving new home in New York.

Above all, Kathleen will be remembered for the fierce love she had for her family. She celebrated their accomplishments, offered unwavering encouragement, and created a legacy of strength, compassion, resilience, and advocacy that will continue through the generations she loved so deeply.

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 South George Street, York, with The Rev. D. Marie Tribble, from Heidelberg United Church of Christ, officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Greenmount Cemetery. Livestream of services will be available at http://www.facebook.com/KuhnerAssociates

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to YWCA York https://ywcayork.org for victim services through Access York, 320 East Market Street, York, PA 17403.