Shirley D. Rasmussen

Fort Collins, Colorado - Shirley Draper Rasmussen, age 99, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 22, 2021 in Fort Collins, CO where she had spent the last nine and a half years living with her daughter Nancy and son-in law Richard Johnson. Shirley was born to Arthur Draper and Mary Ellen Riding Draper on January 18, 1922 in Redmond, UT. She was the eldest of three daughters. Redmond was a fun place to grow up, providing many friends and memorable creative activities. Shirley was young during the great depression. Reading was her favorite lifelong activity. She read every book in the town library, so her mother arranged to have discarded books from the SLC library shipped to her by train. Shirley graduated at the top of her class from North Sevier High School in 1940. She married her lifelong love and partner, Ray Ira Rasmussen on July 9, 1940 in Redmond, UT. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She and Ray lived on the farm until her first child Lee Ray was born in 1941. They moved back to Salina where their daughter, Nancy Ellen was born. Shirley cared for her two young children while her husband, Ray served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. After the war, Ray worked the farm and Shirley worked for Mountain Bell Telephone Company as a switchboard operator in Salina. Later she worked for the Utah Poultry Company as an accountant. Shirley was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings. She was an active member of many women’s service auxiliaries in Salina, including the JC, American Legion and Volunteer Firemen. In 1963 Shirley and Ray began a new chapter in their lives by moving to Murray, UT. Shirley started working again for Mountain Bell Telephone Company – this time as an accountant – eventually becoming the Mountain West Regional Accountant helping with audits in MT, CO, AZ, UT, and ID. Shirley was able to retire with Ray and to enjoy many years together traveling to see their children and grandchildren. Traveling with their trailer and friends was also a favorite time. She was able to see her children have successful lives and was so proud of them. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were most dear to her. She loved her family with all her heart and sacrificed for their benefit. She will be greatly missed by her family. Shirley is survived by her children: Lee Ray Rasmussen (Rae Lynn Prows) of Boise, ID; Nancy Ellen Johnson (Richard) of Ft. Collins, CO; 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in law: Shirley Rasmussen Probert (Bud, deceased) of Scipio; Dona Rasmussen Martin (Paul) of Las Vegas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Ray; her parents; and her sisters; Phyllis Morley (Ralph, deceased); Ella Christensen (Dell, deceased); her sisters-in law Virginia Rasmussen Dickert (James, deceased); Bernice Rasmussen Mickelsen (Fred, deceased); brothers-in law Leath Rasmussen (LaFay, deceased); and Maurice Rasmussen (Thressa, deceased). Graveside Services will be held on Friday, April 2, 2021 at 12 noon at the Salina Eastside Cemetery. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina, Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Live streaming will be available via Shirley’s obituary page at springerturner.com and on Facebook Live. Burial will be in the Salina Eastside Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, UT.