Rasmuson – The family of Rose Rasmuson wish to share with sadness but with joy and thanksgiving to God, that our Mother passed away peacefully on December 22, 2020. Rose Marie Rasmuson passed away at Sunrise Gardens, Brooks, Alberta at the age of 94 years following a lengthy battle with Dementia. Born in Chancellor, Alberta to Charles and Alice Reiffenstein on April 20, 1926, she was the eldest of seven children. Following the Second World War, and during an acute shortage of teachers, she received her teacher certification in Calgary and became a teacher at the age of seventeen. Her first school was a one room school near Countess, Alberta, where she was the sole teacher and caretaker. Following that she taught at Clancy School, north of Brooks in a two room school. During her early teaching career she made many lifelong friends, among them Anne Scheuerman, and Frank and Edna Dale. In 1948 she met the love of her life, Leonard Rasmuson, and they married in 1949. Together they farmed east of Duchess and raised five happy and healthy children. Mom was an excellent cook, seamstress, and gardener, and her family was the centre of her life. She returned to teaching for one year at the Duchess School, but always put her family first. Our home was a busy one, with family, friends and good meals around the big oak table. Friends included the Sugdens, the Scheuermans, the Rommens, the Reids from Washington State, Birthday Club Ladies, and the Lutheran Ladies Aid. Family gatherings from near and far were full of fun, food and laughter. Mom always had a deep and abiding faith in God, was an active member of her church and a founding member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooks Alberta. She served her congregation in many ways including being an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church Women, the Quilting Ladies group, leading Bible Studies, teaching Sunday School and organizing the church library. Her strong faith and commitment to God are an example for her family and all who knew her. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling and spent many happy hours on trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Arizona, Texas, California and to British Columbia. Mom and Dad retired from the farm to Brooks in 1989 and lived in their home on Earl Court before moving to Newbrook Lodge where they enjoyed many happy times. Dad passed away in 2010, Mom missed him dearly. Mom’s special skill was handiwork, and many, many people have been gifted over the years with stitching- Hardanger, embroidery, and cross stitch as well as knitting, crocheting, and other crafts. Her hands were never still. All items were crafted perfectly, with love and were a source of pride to her and to the recipient. Mom’s struggle with Dementia was supported by the special staff at Sunrise Gardens, Dr. Thomson, her family and special friends Sharon Reid, Gisela McGregor, Val Duenk and Helen Mulloy. The family gives special thanks to all who spent time with her and comforted her. Mom was pre-deceased by her husband of 61 years, Leonard, her parents Charles and Alice Reiffenstein, her brother Raymond and brothers-in-law Don Cherry and Bill Short. She is survived by her children and their families: Leona, Dale (Luanne), Anne (Don), Gord (Cindy) and Shirley (Brian), by twelve grand-children: Susan (Leif), Chad (Lam), Julie (Scott), David (Jessica), Beth(Mike), Kate (Evan), Donnie (MaryAnne), Kelsi, Brad, Courtney, Nicole (Todd), and Courtenay (Kirtland), as well as Great-Grandchildren: Alyssa, Kira, Hally, Hayden, Emma, Chloe, Presley, Darcy, Isla, Griffin, Cormac, Clark, Daniel, Emma, Jackson, Alexander and Benjamin. She is also survived by her siblings: Anne, Dorothy, Eddy (Lois), Mary (Matt), and Laurie (Joan), a sister-in-law Bernice as well as numerous nieces, nephews and an extended family of Rasmuson and Reiffenstein relatives. Mom’s centre was always her faith in God and her love of her family. She loved each and every family member so very much and took pride in all their interests and adventures. She has left us with rich memories and a knowledge that we are loved and special. The family wishes to acknowledge all those who have been a part of Mom’s life, in prayers and in acts of kindness, especially Pastor John Theiss and Pastor Maggie Theiss. A small family funeral is planned for December 30th, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church officiated by Pastor Maggie Theiss. Interment at Duchess Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and in memory of our Mother Rose, if friends desire memorial tributes may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 811 Cassils Road W. Brooks AB, T1R 0E4 or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories 10430 61 Ave Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3, Designated for Research please.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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