Joanne Lillian Rasmussen

01/19/1936 - 03/06/2011

RASMUSSEN, Joanne Lillian
(Knudtson) (Age 75)

On Sunday, March 6, 2011, beloved wife, loving mother, mommie, grandma, sister and in-law, cousin and outlaws, friend and confidant was welcomed into God's Kingdom after being critically ill with heart failure at Holy Family Hospital.
Joanne was the first of three children born to John Kenneth and Lillian Imogene (Barth) Knudtson on January 19, 1936 in the Dalton Garden area of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. For the first years of her life she lived in other North Idaho communities until the family moved to Spokane at age seven. She grew up in the family home located on the corner of Crestline and Joseph. She attended Whitman Elementary School from second grade through grade eight. She then attended John R. Rogers High School where she was a member of the graduating class of 1954.
On July 17, 1954 she married the love of her life, Eugene Robert (Bob) Rasmussen. Together they began their life's journey. As best friends they raised four daughters. Always strong with values they provided a safe and loving life for their family. She was actively involved in her community (PTA, room mother, Campfire/Bluebird leader, County Extension Homemakers, etc). She worked at various nursing homes and Gonzaga University, but above all else she was a homemaker. Joanne was the matriarch, a treasure trove of knowledge. She was a learned, intelligent, confident woman. She was a doer, she loved to read, a true artist with many diversities (music, painting, sewing, gardening, and crafting). She enjoyed family travels and gatherings, and so much more. She led by example of strength and fortitude.
Preceded in death by parents, brother Albert, sister-in-law Darlene Flory, numerous nieces nephews and loved ones. She is survived by her husband Bob of 56 years; daughters Sheryl Rasmussen of Gila Bend, AZ, Marilyn Wilmot (Craig), Patricia Rasmussen and Barbara Mason, all of Spokane; brother Kenneth and Evelyn Knudtson of Camano Island, WA; brothers-in-law Ralph Rasmussen, Wickenburg, AZ, Wayne Rasmussen and Leon Webb of Leggett, CA, and Gary Rasmussen of Spokane; sisters-in-law Carolyn Samuels Werre of Spokane and Myrna Knudtson of Deer Park, WA; seven grandchildren (Jason Rasmussen, Rachelle Flynn, Gary Rasmussen, Katherine Smith, Kevin Jones, Rebecca Mason and Andrea McAvoy); seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews who was loved by their Auntie Joannie from Spokannie, also numerous cousins and many dear friends. She was loved and will be truly missed! Visitation will be 10-4 PM Friday and Saturday at Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 14, 2011 at Heritage Chapel.