"knew betty though isu she will be missed"
In loving memory of
Betty Rasmussen
September 28, 1940 - June 19, 2014
Betty Ann Rasmussen, 1940-2014.
Betty Ann Rasmussen of Ames died on June 19, 2014, at age 73 at the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames.
Betty was born September 28, 1940, in San Pedro, California to Allen and Iva Lou (Jensen) Kerr of Story County, Iowa. Until her father retired from the U.S. Navy, Betty was raised primarily by her grandparents, Harvey and Elva Jensen, on a farm near Shipley, Iowa. She moved to Ames with her parents when they returned permanently to Story County in 1952. A 1958 graduate of Ames High School, she began working as a secretary at Iowa State University the day after her graduation. She spent the last 42 years of her career in the College of Consumer and Family Sciences, and retired as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of the College in 2006. For her dedicated work to the University, she received the Iowa State University Alumni Association Superior Service Award and the College of Family & Consumer Sciences Outstanding Service Award.
Betty married Joel C. Rasmussen, a lifelong resident of Story County, on November 14, 1958. Betty is survived by Joel and by her three sons and daughters-in-law: Chris Rasmussen and Jennifer Jones of Highland Park, New Jersey; Jeff Rasmussen and Susan Burns of St. Louis Park, Minnesota; and Tim and Michelle Rasmussen of Ames. She is also survived by seven grandsons: Soren, Lars, Noah, Jacob, Wyatt, Cameron, and Cael. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harvey Glenn Kerr, who died at birth; and by one grandson, Brennan.
Betty made annual pilgrimages to country music Fan Fair in Nashville, and is survived by her favorite musician/songwriter, Alan Jackson. Betty was also a fan of stock car racing, both while her husband Joel was driving and after his retirement from the sport.
Betty lived for more than five years after being diagnosed with incurable cancer. Her survival for those five years was a testament to her own strength and determination, to her doctors and the staff at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, and to the care and companionship provided by her husband, family, and friends.
Visitation will be at Grandon Funeral Home in Ames on Sunday June 29, 2014 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Services will be at Grandon Funeral Home starting at 10:30 a.m. on Monday June 30.
Memorials may be made to William R. Bliss Cancer Center or Israel Family Hospice House of Ames.
Tributes
"I worked with Betty in the admin. area of the College of Family and Consuemr Sciences. I can't say enough about what a wonderful woman she was. We shared our love of country music and kids and I think of her when I see the horse figure she gave me as my Secret Santa. (Good times. And her pet ferret stories were the best.) She was always helpful with whatever question I had, very professional, and had a great personality. I am thankful to have known Betty and so sorry to see her go so soon."
"I met Betty when I came to ISU's Department of Child Development as a grad student in 1969. Betty served the department faithfully before moving to the College Dean's office. Betty was bright and competent and a steady force in the department. She was devoted to her family and was proud of her sons, their spouses, and her grandchildren. I am very saddened by Betty's death and will miss her. "
"What a nice lady Betty was. I met her in 1966 through Bob Anderson and his sisters, Janet and Joan. We use to go to the stock car races and enjoyed them also. Sure she will be missed by her family and friends. May she rest in peace."