With deepest sorrow, we announce that Sandra “Sue” Kay Rasmussen, age 76, passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington, with her family by her side. She was born February 29, 1944 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, to Robert “Burl” and Ruby (Landes) Forst.
Sue attended Burlington-Edison High School graduating in 1962, then attended Skagit Valley Community College. She married the love of her life, Ivan Rasmussen, on July 27, 1963, made their home in Burlington and had two daughters, Jill and Heidi. She worked for many years for Dr. Gene Sargent as a dental assistant until she retired to travel with Ivan and spend time spoiling her grandchildren at their home in Lake McMurray. They moved back home to Burlington in 2016. Together they loved spending time with family and friends and exploring the country in their RV. Their favorite spot was on the shores of Fort Casey near the ferry landing.
Since Ivan’s passing in 2018, Sue has cherished time with her children and grandchildren, traveled to her sister Mary’s home in Arizona and together took a cruise this last winter. Until March of this year, she volunteered her time two days a week in the kitty rooms of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley.
Sue’s warm smile and beautiful heart will be missed by her daughters, Jill Quander and Heidi Devereux; grandchildren, Paige and Emily Quander and Hayden Fladebo; “bonus” grandchildren, Adland, Sam, Alex, Cameron, Holden, Taylor, Lucas & great-granddaughter, Charlie; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Rita Forst; sister, Mary Ross; son-in-law, Paul Quander and ‘bonus’ son-in-law, Jason McElyea; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends throughout the Skagit Valley.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Ivan Rasmussen; parents, Robert “Burl” and Ruby; in-laws, Reider and Lilly Rasmussen; sisters-in-law Yvonne Hoyt and Geri Ballinger; brothers-in-law Richard Hoyt, Lanny Ross and Claude Dowen; and nephew Kevin Hoyt.
Sue will be laid to rest with her husband in the Greenhills Cemetery in Burlington. Due to COVID-19 concerns, there will be no funeral services. A Celebration of Sue’s life will be held in the Spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers we would like to make suggestions for donations in moms name to The Skagit Valley Humane Society and The Stroke Foundation. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Since we are unable to be together and celebrate Sue’s life at this time, please sign the guest register and share your laughter, love and memories.
We were so sad to hear of Sue’s passing. Her forever smile and gracious personality will be missed. Her and Ivan were such a great couple always. Take care Hiedi, Jill and Hayden.
I can’t tell you how sorry we are to hear of your lost. Sue and I did a lot together in our younger days. We lost touch when we moved to Bellevue but I will always remember what a sweet person she was. We are praying for you Jill and Heidi.
Family of Sue . Your mother and father were wonderful friends we loved to camp with in the Skagit Sam club. So sorry for Your loss
To all the friends and family of Sue our deepest sympathy and condolences.
My Auntie Sue was so much fun! I am already missing her laugh and her advice on so many things! She was the best wife to my Uncle Ivan and their marriage was a great example of unconditional love! I love how she could get tickled by the antics of her children and grandchildren and how proud she was of her family! She loved them so much! I was blessed to have an Aunt that loved so well and cared so much💕 You are loved.
Heidi and Jill, So sorry for the loss of your mother. I enjoyed working with her for maybe 20 years at Dr. Sargent’s. I was always in awe of how your parent always made their wedding anniversaries special, taking turns from year to year planning something special for their spouse. One of her happiest times is when she found out she was finally going to be a grandma, with 3 grandchildren in the same year.
Blessings to the whole family.
We already miss Sue so much. We had fun being neighbors and patio parties with everyone. What a special person, Thank you Sue and Ivan!
My prayers are with the family, Sue was a great person. Had time to spend with her and Ivan seems like just yesterday
Heidi and Jill,
My Mom and I were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Hold on to those wonderful family memories and she will live on in your hearts forever.
Worked with Sue at Dr. Sargent’s. Sue was always a kind loving woman. Sad to hear of her passing.
Beautiful memories of Sue and Ivan. Blessings and peace to the family.
Heidi and family. I am sorry for this loss. Spending time with the rest of your close family may offer some relief and I hope it does. What a loving tribute to a woman I wish I had known.
Thank you all the wonderful memories as a child growing up having sleepovers, dinners and camping trips.
Jill and Heidi – I am so very sorry.
Heidi and family,
It has been so nice hear about your visits and trips with your mom. And that is the sweetest remembrance I have ever read. You are such a devoted daughter. It’s very inspiring to me. I’m really sorry for your loss.
Our deepest condolences for all the family Sandra was a beautiful spirit and blessing to many, on behalf of the Humane Society of Skagit Valley Board of Directors and its Staff who enjoyed and were extremely thankful for her volunteering time at the shelter