Nancy Rose Rasmussen

1948 - 2025

Jun 27, 1948 - Nov 15, 2025

Nancy (Schmitz) Rasmussen was born in Missoula, Montana, to Clement and Marie Schmitz. After moving between Missoula and Helena several times her family settled in Helena, where she grew up and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1966. She married Joe Rasmussen in 1969, and they began their life together in Missoula. They soon moved to Spokane where her husband received an engineering degree from Gonzaga University in 1974. Their next move was to Walla Walla, Washington, where Joe worked until retirement in 2009. Nancy was a stay-at-home wife and mother while raising their family, but she also supported Joe through college and later worked at the Walla Walla Community College to help get her children through college.

Nancy enjoyed being outdoors and looked forward to the summer camping trips, ATV riding with friends, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. Even though she could not swim, she loved being at the ocean and visited the Oregon Coast and Hawaii quite often during retirement.

Nancy's family was the greatest gift in her life, and she raised three loving children and taught them the values she grew up with. She is survived by her husband; a daughter, Rebecca (Larry); two sons, Matt (Marty) and Adam (Dawn); three grandchildren; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews. Nancy had a lifetime of wonderful memories to celebrate and was a kind and loving person. She was warm, thoughtful and incredibly easy to be around. She easily made friends where ever she went, not by trying, but just by being herself.

Nancy passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on November 15, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A private memorial service for family and close friends was held on December 6, 2025. Later, a graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Walla Walla, on June 27, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life gathering at the Marcus Whitman Hotel. Donations can be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or charity of your choice.