Ruth Rasmussen

   Ruth Louise Hicken Rasmussen, age 91, passed away at her home in Roosevelt, Utah on October 28, 2017. Her life was blessed with wonderful family and friends. She loved to share Sunday dinners, birthday parties, Easter Egg Hunts, weddings, and sewing or cookie parties with the grandkids. Ruth recently said, “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid of missing out on something!”
    She was born on January 15, 1926 in Heber City, Utah to John Errol and Deon Clyde Hicken. As a child she was known as Louise. She excelled in school and was raised a cattleman’s daughter in beautiful Heber Valley. During the depression, her friends teased that her family must be rich for her to have such nice clothes. Not really. She taught herself to sew and redesign dresses from her “rich” cousin’s hand-me-downs.
    Upon graduation from Wasatch High School, she entered nurses’ training, completing the University of Utah/Salt Lake General Hospital’s nursing program in 1947. She celebrated her 70th year of service as a Registered Nurse in June 2017. She worked in the Salt Lake VA Hospital, cared for children with polio who were confined to an “iron lung,” and dialysis patients. Her greatest love was to care for new families in Labor & Delivery at Duchesne County Hospital (now UBMC). Her family room was dubbed “The Rasmussen ER” because so many family and friends came by sporting an injury or called, wondering if they needed a bandage or a trip to the ER.
    One of Ruth’s greatest achievements was her service to youth. She served as PTA President for many years in several Salt Lake City elementary schools and, later in Roosevelt, read with elementary students who affectionately called her “Grandma Ruth.” Over the years, she taught nearly 100 youth to sew or cook and received a statewide 4-H award for many years of exemplary service and leadership.
    Her devotion to Jesus Christ was evident throughout her life as she shared her testimony and values through service in the LDS church. As a young mother, Ruth served as president of Primary and Relief Society, and teacher of all ages. She and her lifelong love, David Rasmussen served an LDS Family History Mission in Roosevelt, Utah and four-years as Provo Temple Ordinance Workers. Ruth cherished our Vernal Temple and served as an ordinance worker for 15 years. Even after being released, she continued to faithfully attend the temple each week until she was no longer physically able.
    Ruth’s late son-in-law, Dan Haslem, wrote: “Most of your life has been dedicated to the caring of others – The countless hours of sewing, cooking, nursing, and just being there for those in need.” It was her pleasure and her honor to teach, comfort, and cultivate priceless memories in all who were lucky enough to know her.

    She is survived by her children, Sherrol Coltharp, Paul (LaJean) Rasmussen, Susan Rasmussen, Shauna (George) Bennett, Dale (Becky) Rasmussen, Betty Ruth Haslem, and Tim Rasmussen (Koren Thanner). She reluctantly leaves 25 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren, her sister Noreen Hicken Kay, and in-laws Elleen Hicken, Richard Kay, and Ward Abbott.
    She was preceded in death by her husband David Mackay Rasmussen, parents John Errol and Deon Clyde Hicken, foster daughter Mary Louise Tsosie, son-in-law Daniel Haslem, and brothers Quentin and Jerrol Hicken.
    Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Roosevelt West Stake Center  (150 S Skyline Dr, Roosevelt, Utah).  Visitation will be Monday, November 6, 2017 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary (457 E 300 N, Roosevelt), and at the church from 10:00-10:45a.m. prior to the service.
    Burial will be in the Roosevelt Memorial Park.
    Condolences may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com