Branson mourns loss of one of area's biggest cheerleaders

A well-known communications professional and champion for Branson has passed away.

Lisa Rau first moved to the Ozarks in 1984, when she accepted a position at KY3 in Springfield, first as a weather forecaster then a field reporter, before becoming an anchor on the KY3 news desk.  Rau stayed with KY3 for five years before heading to the Branson area.

Rau made a career change, moving into the field of public relations in 1989. Rau held the position of PR Director at Silver Dollar City, often referred to as her dream job, for an unprecedented 34 years. Rau was the head of Public Relations of the area's largest attraction throughout the Branson Boom, when the area received tremendous national acclaim, and she played a key role in making Silver Dollar City the internationally known entity it is today.  

Lisa retired from Silver Dollar City in 2023 and accepted a position as Director of Communications for the City of Branson. She left that role in late 2024 and began her own consulting business, Lisa Rau Communications, but remained one of Branson's biggest cheerleaders.  

As news spread of Lisa's passing, countless friends and colleagues began sharing their thoughts about the ambitious and tenacious woman, calling her "larger than life" and recalling her talent, her energy, her drive and her love of Branson.

A prepared statement from Silver Dollar City said, "Lisa was a member of our work family for more than three decades before retiring in 2023. Her passion for telling the stories of our special City and the Ozarks was unparalleled. As our PR Director, she built a legacy of theme park public relations through historic ride launches, grand openings and 'stunts with integrity.' She was a tireless champion of our culture along the way. Her impact will live on in the hearts of our citizens."  

A statement from Larry Milton, Mayor of the City of Branson, read, in part, "We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Lisa Rau. Lisa brought passion, professionalism and warmth to everything she did. She uplifted the people around her and dedicated her career to highlighting the very best of Branson. Her impact on our city is lasting, and her loss is felt by all who knew her and worked with her."

Mayor Milton shared some additional thoughts with the Branson Globe," Lisa Rau was not only a talented storyteller, but a cherished part of our Branson family. She had a gift for shining a light on the best of our community, and I always admired her warmth, her energy and her deep love for this city. Her passing is a profound loss. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Lisa's spirit and impact will stay with us."

“Lisa was one of the most high frequency and talented women I have come to know," said Cathy Stepp, Branson City Administrator. "Every day working alongside her in city hall was full of light and laughter. She never entered or left a room without flair and pizzazz. And she has done the same in life. Branson will be different without her.”

Former Branson Mayor Karen Best added, "When Lisa Rau entered a room, you knew it. She had a big personality and was passionate about the Branson area, especially Silver Dollar City. She loved to tell the stories about Silver Dollar City and had a special knack in doing so. She was fun, charismatic, caring and a huge Branson cheerleader.  Lisa will be missed by many in the community."                        

Said Branson Alderman Marshall Howden, "Branson has lost one of its most beloved and influential storytellers. Lisa Rau played a vital role in revitalizing the City of Branson's communications department and was an iconic figure in our community through her work at Silver Dollar City and her public relations leadership across Branson's entertainment industry. She knew this town, she loved it, and she helped shape how the world saw it."

Howden continued, "On a personal level, Lisa has known my family since I was in diapers, and her office walls told the story of Branson's history as much as her work did. I entrusted her with key roles in our city's tourism efforts and the Song of Hope movement, and we could not have achieved many of our goals without her insight, energy and heart. Lisa was exceptional at her job, generous with her knowledge and full of life. She will be deeply missed and forever loved."