Mrs. Deloris Evelyn Rasmussen

DelorisRasmussen

Deloris Evelyn Rasmussen, nee Perrier, born June 17, 1927 passed away peacefully in her home October 11, 2013 at the age 86. She leaves to treasure her memory her 6 children and their families: Lorne (Beryl) Rasmussen - Gerrud (children Rhianne and Logan), Kerry (son Vaughn); Sharon (Vern) Ermel – Jeremy, Joshua (Brandy) (children Ayden, Elliot), Justin (Emily) (children Liam, Nolan and Gavin), Jill (Jordan) Henry (son Grayson); Donna (Kirk) McNab – Amanda (Brian) Downey (children Willem, Nathaniel, Finleigh), Sharolyn (Tim) Hall (daughter Jessica), Barret (Amanda) (children Ethan, Kyla, Miles), Benjamin (Genevieve) (daughter Madeline); Barry; Jocelyn; Ken (Lana) (daughters Jessie (Jared), Jonie (Lee), Jennie). She is also survived by her sister Violet Benson, brother Walter Perrier, sister-in-law Emma Perrier, brother-in-law Mel Ploof, sister-in-law Yvonne (Delmar) Dosh, sister-in-law Bonnie Rasmussen, brother-in-law Glen (Cecile) Rasmussen and too many to count nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Elvin, daughter Sheryle Anne in infancy, sisters Pearl (Abner) Kabrud, Florence (Frank) Bathgate, twin sister Doris Ploof, brothers Lyle Perrier, Wilfred Perrier, Glenn (Olga) Perrier, Floyd (Norma) Perrier; sister-in-law Irene Perrier, brother-in-law Clarence Benson, all but the above mentioned of her husband Elvin's siblings and spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

Deloris and her twin Doris were the 7th and 8th children born to Albert and Dora Perrier on the Wheat Bench Family Homestead south of Rockglen on June 17, 1927. She married her husband Elvin on Feb 22, 1944. They farmed and ranched for 55 years creating many happy memories with their children, friends and family.

Quick-witted and ready to laugh, Deloris had a way of bringing joy and ease to a troubled day or a tired heart. She was fierce in the face of adversity and a tireless worker who found her greatest fulfillment in being of use to others. She wasn't subtle when she decided it was time for you to get on with something and she wasn't opposed to wearing down your resistance. If you decided to take her advice she'd show up with her work clothes on to help you follow through.

She loved her husband Elvin unconditionally and without compromise. Our father on earth thanked her, and now her beloved Father in Heaven is sure to be thanking her, sure to be saying, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

She loved her children beyond all understanding and she was always trying to do the things she thought would make us happy, including forever cooking the foods she knew we loved. One of our fond sayings is, "Our mother didn't raise any dumb kids, just fat ones."

She recognized that each of us has our own set of gifts and she truly enjoyed the way our adventures and antics expanded her world. She didn't always understand our choices, but nothing could diminish her love. She never saw us as failing because she herself was incredibly humble. She understood that life is for learning and we all do our best. You can trust that she was truly generous in her opinion of you – she would think the best of you and give the rest to God in prayer.

She ADORED being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Every birth was her newest miracle and she loved the stories – you know the ones we tell that torture the children once they are old enough to understand what makes them so endearing. After the children visited, she would leave their little handprints on the doors and windows so that she and dad could enjoy them. She knit sweaters, more than one, for every one of her 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, and there are some in reserve for those yet to come. She didn't just say, "I love you," – she was always living that love into your life and we all wrap ourselves in it every time we wear something she made for us.

We have a large extended family, and were blessed to know all of them because mother so enjoyed hosting special occasions, Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. She always wanted to show up for the births, the weddings, the anniversaries, the needing times and the funerals. It was never a duty or a burden for her. You all filled her heart and just being with you was the only reward she ever hoped for.

Deloris knew you had to be a friend to have a friend, and we will always be grateful for the way you all rallied around her when our father was ill and after he died. She just loved being with her friends and was more than happy to put her work aside to play. From the birthday club when you were all young mothers to the old timers club when you were all retired, from the morning coffees to the evening card games, she looked forward to the laughter you shared and she appreciated the way you all helped to lighten the load.

Deloris also believed in community and social good. She thought those in need should have a helping hand, and that meant hers. She understood the importance of collective celebration and the need for collaboration to build a strong world for future generations. It's not that she was a complicated thinker with big plans or commitments – she just knew how to show up with some baking or a hand-made gift or a few hours of elbow grease. She did what she thought was right because she cared, and she loved living in a community where she saw that all of you care too.

As we think of her, we can just see Deloris's twinkling eyes and beautiful smile beaming with the message that she remembers that special time with you too, and she loved every blessed minute of it! She would LOVE being buried on Thanksgiving Day because all she would want, when all is said and done, is to thank God for her life, and everyone she knew for all the love she was privileged to share.

We can never thank God enough for her, but we will keep trying. Thank you, Deloris, just for being you. You were so much more than everything we could have hoped for. God bless your way heavenward.

Funeral Service was held in the Assiniboia Alliance Church, November 14, 2013 at 2:00 pm. Pastor Lawrence Hahn and Pastor Greg Dermody officiated. Pallbearers were Grandsons: Gerrud Rasmussen, Jeremy Ermel, Joshua Ermel, Justin Ermel, Barret McNab, Benjamin McNab. Special music and Eulogy delivered by daughter Jocelyn Rasmussen. Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com.