Adrian, Michigan
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Dedication to Billy Bear's creator
Loraine Wauer Ferus (Rainie)
In loving memory of Loraine Wauer Ferus (Hoerig), affectionately known as Rainie (December 29, 1953 - November 23, 2012):
Rainie's journey was one of boundless creativity and unwavering dedication to education. A gifted artist who found her calling in both art, such as painting, carving, and sculpting bears, and pioneering educational technology, Rainie's legacy shines brightly through Billy Bear. What began as a small graphic character blossomed into an award-winning educational platform, offering animated storybooks and interactive resources that continue to enrich the lives of children worldwide. She was influenced by Walt Disney and visited Walt Disney World weekly.
Rainie's passion for learning and her belief in sharing knowledge generously defined Billy Bear's mission. She dedicated herself to creating accessible educational materials, freely offering 90% of her creations to benefit young learners. Her vision, commitment, and creativity have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape, inspiring countless educators, parents, and children.
Though Rainie's time with us was too brief, her impact endures through the joy of discovery and learning fostered by Billy Bear. This site stands as a tribute to her spirit, creativity, and enduring legacy of making learning a playful and enriching experience for all.
Sonja L. Howell, PhD (Sunny)
Rainie's dedication to educational innovation lives on through her daughter, Sunny, who has passionately carried forward Billy Bear's mission. Sunny's journey mirrors her mother's commitment to advancing learning through technology and creativity. With a doctorate in education and her groundbreaking research in Transformative Mindset Instructional Design (TMID), Sunny has embraced and expanded upon her mother's vision.
As a full-time instructional designer at a small rural community college, Sunny embodies Rainie's belief in accessible education and the transformative power of innovative instructional methods. She continues to enrich Billy Bear with new ideas and technologies, ensuring that Rainie's legacy thrives in today's digital age. Sunny's dedication to educational excellence and her deep respect for Rainie's principles resonate in her ongoing efforts to keep Billy Bear a vibrant and essential resource for young learners worldwide.
But Rainie's influence doesn't end there. Her grandchildren, inspired by the creativity and learning that Billy Bear promotes, are growing up with a love for education and exploration that their grandmother cherished. Rainie’s work, lovingly continued by Sunny, not only benefits today's young learners but also paves the way for future generations. It’s a legacy that will continue to touch the lives of Rainie's great-grandchildren and beyond, ensuring that the spirit of discovery and joy in learning remains a cherished family tradition. Through Billy Bear, Rainie’s vision and values will keep inspiring young minds for generations to come.
Loraine Bearheart
Loraine Wauer Ferus (Rainie)
Loraine Bearheart, a strong and visionary bear, is a dedicated tribute to the creator of BillyBear4Kids. Known for her bold ideas and passion for education, Loraine developed engaging educational content that made learning a delightful adventure for children. Her legacy lives on through the educational resources and characters she envisioned, continuing to inspire young learners to explore, learn, and grow with joy and enthusiasm.