A Mother Missing: Family’s Tireless Search for Raushan Aitpayeva Continues

(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Each day without answers grows heavier for the family of Raushan Aitpayeva. It’s been over three months since the 65-year-old mother and grandmother was last seen, walking alone through the quiet streets of Simi Valley’s Texas Tract, seemingly unsure of which way to turn.

She vanished on the afternoon of July 11, leaving behind her phone and every trace of routine. Since then, her family and a growing circle of community volunteers have searched relentlessly, hoping one more set of eyes or one overlooked camera might bring her home.

The last confirmed sighting of Raushan was at 1:57 p.m. near Amarillo and Walnut streets, according to a post on the family’s Facebook page Help Find My Mom. She was wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, white running shoes, and sunglasses. She carried a dark-blue tote bag, possibly holding a sweatshirt or light jacket.

A New Life, Suddenly Interrupted
Raushan moved to Simi Valley in late 2024 to live with her daughters and help care for her grandchildren. At 5 feet 1 inch and around 100 pounds, she was active and independent. For years, she worked as a reflexologist, massage therapist, and caregiver—known for her quiet kindness and commitment to helping others.

“We Started the Search Ourselves”
Because Raushan had no medical condition that would classify her as “at risk,” police were not initially able to open a case. Her family launched the search on their own.

“We started the search ourselves,” said her daughter, Maiya Meyer, who noted that neighbors helped gather surveillance footage.

That day, Raushan hadn’t eaten or had anything to drink before she left the house, Meyer said, which may have left her feeling weak or disoriented. “We just don’t know what’s going on,” she said. “Mom wouldn’t leave me when I was about to give birth. She usually never goes out without me.”

Meyer had been at a medical appointment while her sister stayed home. She believes their mother had only planned a brief walk. “She didn’t plan to leave for a long time,” she said.

Police Get Involved
On August 11, a month after Raushan disappeared, the Simi Valley Police Department officially took on the case. A detective was assigned, and SVPD issued a Nixle alert urging residents to check doorbell and security footage from July 11 and report any tips to (805) 583-6950.

Since then, Meyer said, police have remained in contact with the family, reviewing video and following up on community leads.

Community Rallies to Search
The latest search effort took place Saturday, October 25, drawing volunteers from Simi Valley, Los Angeles, and Redondo Beach.

“There are not enough words to describe how much we appreciate everyone’s time, effort, and kindness,” the family wrote in a Facebook post. “My mom would be so touched to see how many caring people are out there.”

During that search, volunteers discovered bones that were turned over to police. The coroner later confirmed they were animal remains.

“It still gives me hope,” Meyer said.

Expanding the Search
With no confirmed sightings, the family is now open to all possibilities. “I have no other explanation,” Meyer said. “We just don’t know. Any possibility could happen.”

A relative has traveled from out of state and hikes daily, checking surrounding areas. The family has also hired a private investigator and is expanding the search into Los Angeles County. They are considering offering a reward for information.

A Caregiver Who Cared Deeply
Meyer said her mother, though she spoke limited English, worked for over 35 years in the medical field, most recently in hospice and assisted living. “She has a passion for older people,” Meyer said. “She always wanted to make sure they weren’t lonely.”

“So many people that she helped,” she added, “and now I don’t know if she’s alive or not. I want to think she’s alive, but we have no leads, nothing.”

Raushan had been eagerly awaiting the birth of her new grandchild, due just weeks after she disappeared. She was a devoted caregiver, a medical worker who had spent her life helping others, and the heart of her family. Her loved ones say she is an incredible mother and a cherished Nana who deserves to be found and brought home safely.

In the weeks following her disappearance, the family contacted everyone Raushan might have reached out to—including her husband in Kentucky, who lives with one of her other daughters, and an old friend in Los Angeles. Neither had heard from her.

“She didn’t talk about visiting anyone,” Meyer said. “She was focused on helping me and staying close because I was about to give birth.”

Raushan had no known local friends, church ties, or Russian-speaking community connections in Simi Valley. Her limited English fluency made it harder to form new relationships. “There was nowhere for her to go,” Meyer said.

Still No Answers
Meyer plans to meet with SVPD again this week to discuss next steps. “They’re trying to help now,” she said. “I can feel that they support us and are doing the best they can. But this was out of the ordinary — Mom would not just leave.”

How to Help
Flyers are still posted throughout the area, including at Lemon Park, the library and the senior center. The family asks residents across Ventura and Los Angeles counties to review any security or dashcam footage from July 11 after 1:30 p.m. and to watch for Raushan’s dark-blue tote bag, which may have been discarded.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Simi Valley Police Department at (805) 583-6950 or email [email protected].

For updates or to join the search, visit the Facebook page Help Find My Mom or the group Help Find Mom.

To support the search effort, visit the family’s GoFundMe campaign.