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Lois Nell Hunsaker Rasmussen

Dec. 1, 1927 - Jan. 9, 2025

Date of Service: Jan. 17, 2025

RUPERT – Lois Nell Hunsaker Rasmussen, a 97-year-old resident of Rupert, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center in Burley, after recently being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

She was born December 1, 1927, in Murray, Utah, the first child born to Alfred Hunsaker (Hunziker) and Nellie Florence King. Lois continued to live in Murray for two years until she, her parents, and her sister, Shirley, moved to Ucon, Idaho. They lived in Ucon for about one year then moved to Heyburn, Idaho, where she lived throughout her childhood. Lois started school when she was almost seven years old. This was during the Great Depression and she remembers she had a dress for school that she got from the WPA (Works Projects Administration).

Growing up, Lois not only worked in the house, but also in the field. She thinned, hoed and topped beets. They would then load them on the wagon and her dad would take them to the beet dump with his team of horses. She also helped stack hay by using a Jackson fork. Lois attended Heyburn Elementary School and completed her education at Heyburn High School (1946).

She married Blaine J. Rasmussen on January 1, 1946, in the American Legion Hall in Rupert. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on September 20, 1946.

Blaine and Lois are the parents of five children, Michael Blaine Rasmussen (Cosette) of Nampa, Bonnie Kay Jensen (James) of Preston, Kelly J. Rasmussen - deceased (Shirley), Janie Payne (Vearle) of Safford, Arizona, and Jeffrey H. Rasmussen (Amy) of Burley; 27 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren (with three more arriving this year).

Lois lived a fulfilling life and was an excellent cook and enjoyed making delicious and nutritious meals for her family and anyone who would drop by. She was still preparing healthy meals for herself prior to her recent illness. This year, for the annual Hunsaker family Christmas party, she made over 100 Fasnachtsuküchle, a rich bubbly fried and crispy dough dusted with sugar; the family devoured the Swiss delight. Lois was an outstanding seamstress and loved quilting, making quilts for all of her children and grandchildren, including baby quilts for each of her grandchildren. Additionally, she was a beautiful oil painter and created beautiful landscape and still-life paintings that adorn many homes.

She loved her yard and worked hard to keep it beautiful. She also planted and harvested a garden every year; she hated to waste any produce from the garden.

Lois worked at the beet dump during the harvest, weighing in the trucks. After Dad had his heart attack and was unable to work for some time, she worked at JCPenney as the office cashier. In her later years she enjoyed working as the office manager for her son, Jeff Rasmussen, at Rasmussen Funeral Home where she loved meeting people and enjoyed being with Jeff and his family on a daily basis.

Lois had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ, and enjoyed sharing her testimony with others, the last being just a week before she became ill. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in various callings throughout her life including Relief Society president, counselor in the Young Women, and served as a ward and stake music director for many years. Her love of music was instilled in her children and grandchildren. She had a beautiful soprano singing voice and was called upon often to sing at funerals, weddings, and other church events. She and her sister, Shirley Paoli, usually sang together at these events.

Lois was a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend to all and was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Lois is survived by three sisters, Shirley Paoli (Richard-deceased) and Carole Jensen (C. Roy-deceased) of Rupert, and Beth Loosli (Dennis) of Boise; a sister-in-law, Suzanne Hunsaker of West Jordan, Utah; a brother-in-law, Lewis Abrams of Boise; and Kelly’s first wife, Marla Rasmussen of Twin Falls.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Kelly J. Rasmussen; one grandson, Michael Teague Rasmussen; a great-grandson, Keaton Vaughn Tracy; brothers, Ross Hunsaker (Doris) and Dale Hunsaker; and sisters, Velda Barras (Fred) and Nelma Abrams.

Our family expresses sincere appreciation to the following: her physician, Dr. Brian Muir; Intermountain Homecare & Hospice - Dr. Benjamin Romney, Tawny Pirtle, Kay Martens, and her dedicated nurse, Kathy McEwen (whom mother trusted greatly); Cassia Regional Hospital for her end-of-life care; and to Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center for allowing us to have mother in their facility until her passing. The care we received from all of the above was beyond expectation.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Rupert Idaho West Stake Center, located at 26 S. 100 W., in Rupert. Burial will follow at Rupert Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, January 16, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday, at the church.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/R1LUouAfRNg.

Condolences for Lois Nell Hunsaker Rasmussen

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Fisher Family:

Dear Jeff and family. Sorry for your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Eileen Albertson Petersen:

Jeff & Amy, after viewing this inspirational funeral on the webcast, I know for sure that Lois Hunsaker Rasmussen is truly an Eternal Elect Lady. When I heard her posterity testify of the Savior in each talk, it verifies that you were raised by noble parents who helped instill these truths. Amy, what a beautiful Life Story you put together for her. Jeff, you gave a touching talk—as always. And how sweet to have your three daughters close with the violins accompanied by you.

From Catherine Ingalls:

RIP BEAUTIFUL LADY.

From Mary Zarybnisky:

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

From Jenny Craft:

She was always so kind to me every time I saw her. I was impressed by the love she had for her family and the love her family had for her, so grateful I was able to know her.

From Steve and Luanne (Hanks) Clark:

Sending our love. She leaves a legacy that will continue on through you and your family.

From Mary Ellen Butler:

Jeff, Amy and family,
Although I don't know exactly what to write, please know I send my sincere condolence. I didn't get the opportunity to be well acquainted with Lois, but I know she was someone very special. The service was so touching, I loved hearing about her – she was remarkable. I feel Taylor has been blessed to be in your family.
With caring thoughts,

From DonnaMae Trevino Harper:

What a beautiful funeral. Your Mother would be proud. Loved your mother and your dad. Wonderful people.

From Zena Rae Bench:

So sorry for your loss. What a friendly lady. I loved the Rasmussen family. Sending prayers and hugs.

From Helen Kowitz:

Such a sweet lady and will be missed by many and you will carry on her legacy with great pride! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Cindy Curtis Thompson:

I'm so sorry for your loss, Jeff and family. Lois was such a sweet lady. May her memory be a blessing to you all. Sending my deepest sympathy to your family, and all who loved her.

From Helen Bowcut:

A very special and elect lady has returned to her eternal home. My thoughts and condolences are with you now. She was blessed to have such a caring family!

From Terry & Cindy Gierisch:

Jeff and family. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She was such a gracious and beautiful woman. May God hold all of you in the palm of his hand as you grieve this loss.

From Garth Dayley:

Jeff I hope you are getting all of the love care and compassion you have shown every one else. May your mother rest in peace.

From Lottie Hurst :

She was such a gracious lady, always so kind , sending love and prayers of comfort.

From Marjorie Jensen:

Jeff and family, so sorry for the loss of your sweet Mother. Didn't know her personally only through your home but she was such a friendly sweet lady acted like she knew me for years.RIP you will be missed by everyone. Thoughts and Prayers your way.

From Lisa Taylor :

Jeff I am so sorry to hear about your wonderful mother. What a great example of Christlike love. She was amazing. I’m sure the reunion with your dad was awesome. Prayers for peace and comfort.

From Dan & Tammy King:

Jeff, you were blessed with a wonderfully talented mother. She was always so kind and loving. May the fond memories help ease the pain of her loss. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.

From Judy Koyle:

So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady and will always be remembered.

From SunDee White:

The first time I saw Lois was at the funeral home. I immediately thought she was an Angel!! Her beauty, countenance, and sweetness kind of overwhelmed me. At church, all she had to do was to show up….and the Ward members lined up to talk to her and her sister. She was someone I often thought, I need to learn more about her. The obit definitely shows that I knew very little about this special lady and I really should have made more of an effort! She’s amazing! What a joyous blessing it is for her, after accomplishing so much in this life, to be able to go HOME to be with her other loved ones. As you mourn, never forget all that she did to earn her rewards in heaven.

From Leslee Warr:

Jeff, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She always was so kind when she greeted us at a viewing or coming into the funeral home to make arrangements for a funeral. Praying for your family.

From Gay Dawn & Lonnie Downs:

We first met Lois in Nampa when we lived in Mike and Cosette’s ward. Then after moving to Burley 40 years ago we once again enjoyed seeing her. Such a kind and amazing lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of her dear family.

From Diana Warburton:

So sorry for your loss, your mom was a beautiful person.

From Jane Hansen:

I only knew Lois briefly as we moved into her ward just a couple months ago, but I remember hearing her testimony. She was so joyful and shared something along the lines of, “there are a lot of things I can’t do anymore at my age, but I can still testify of Jesus Christ.” She was radiant! I was so impressed by this and I hope that I can grow to be a woman of faith like her. Her sweetness, testimony, and light will be missed, but always remembered.

From Roger & Julie Reynolds:

So sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a bright soul to so many. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

From Pat and Shana Cahoon:

Our Prayers and hugs are for the Rasmussen Family and want to express our love and concern!! I have seen her and all of your family administering the for many in the Almo Community and especially my parents. I appreciate the profession care as you served. Amy even helped with my dear Moms hair!! Most of the early years your Mom was the first one that greeted us with her classy appearance and knowledge!!
Bless you all with comfort a peace at this time as needed!!
Sincerely, Pat and Shana Cahoon

From Paul & Susan Young:

Lois always had a welcoming, gracious smile and sweet countenance about her. She impressed us with her talent of capturing beautiful scenes on canvas. She will be missed terribly, but will love painting heavenly scenes and singing in heaven’s choirs. We mourn with your family, Jeff & Amy, and feel your loss.

From Michael Zarybnisky :

sorry for your lost Jeff

From Sister Susanne Hunsaker:

May each of you feel the Savior's arms around you. Lois has lived a full and legendary life for all of us. I am thankful for her love and patience as I came into the Hunsaker family as the new sister-in-law. Her kindness and direction has been greatly appreciated. She has left a great legacy for us to follow. I will miss not being able to attend.

From Lisa and Wallace Blacker:

Our sympathies to you, Jeff and Amy.

From Criss Rich:

This side of the veil won’t be the same without you, Lois! I miss you already. I will miss our hugs in church. Thank you for being such an example to me. Condolences to all the Rasmussen family. You were blessed to have such a wonderful mom, grandma and great-grandma. She’s going to be busy now caring for and watching over you all. Love her so much

From Clair and Judy Teeter:

Jeff so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She was the most elegant sweetest lady and such a ray of sunshine as a greeter in your funeral home. She will be missed. Her great example lives on through you as you have consoled so many families with your love and caring ways during their difficult times including us. She was so proud of you. Her Memories will live on and help you through the days ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time.

From Starla Hale:

Lois will be greatly missed but I imagine the reunion in Heaven was amazing ! All my love

From Sherrie Erickson :

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to your family.

From Max Eddings:

Mrs Rasmussen was always a smiling and a welcoming face when I walked into the funeral home. A true lady born in a time of hard work and tough compassionate people. She was such wonderful soul, always wanting to know about me and my family. It was my privilege to know her.

From Stan and Betty Rasmussen :

Aunt Lois always had a kind word for us. She was very proud of her family and loved them very much. She was always kind and caring to Maxine. Our sympathy and love to all the family. What a wonderful reunion today with the family that went on before.

From Eileen Albertson Petersen:

Jeff, your mother always brightened your funeral home when she was there. Her well-written obituary helped me learn why I thought she was truly an Elect Lady. May the Merciful Plan of Salvation made operational by the Savior’s Atonement bring comfort to you and your outstanding family at this time of temporary separation. You know she is now with her Eternal Sweetheart again and for always. Much love from Eileen Petersen and family…and Dr. Walt Petersen from heaven.

From Lyle and Jennifer Sager:

Our sincere condolences to Jeff and Amy. Your mother was a true angel, always sincere and caring. May the Lord’s tender mercies be with you at this difficult time. It is never easy to say goodbye to a mother, even though it is comforting to know you will see her again.

From Marion Weickum:

Jeff and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a good friend and always enjoyed my visits with her. Blessings.

From Monte and Carole Dayley 12:

Such a beautiful and gracious lady.

From JMW Pierson:

For her petite size, she was a Grand Lady. We had ties from my teen years because of music. She was always encouraging. I hope my own mother greeted her when she arrived on the other side. Heaven welcomed a true Gem from Idaho! Much love!

From Susan &Dave Shockey:

So sorry for your loss Jeff. Sending prayers for you and your family.

From Meggan Anderson :

My heart breaks for you all. She was the most spicy little lady and I loved that I got to hold her hand for 10 years as her nail tech. I bet the reunion in Heaven was grand. Love to you all.

From Kris afaux:

I’ve loved Lois from the moment I met her! What a dear soul, her spunk and charming way will be missed by all! I can’t imagine her happy reunion on the other side. Hugs to her family!

From Michelle Andersen:

My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. I adored sweet Lois. What a beautiful lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

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