Norma Tasso Rasmussen, former resident of Soda Springs, passed peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona.

Although she will be missed dearly by her family and friends, she is now together with her husband and her parents and siblings in a joyous heavenly reunion. She was 90 years of age at her passing. She resided in Soda Springs from 1952 – 1988. She and her family loved their time in Soda and the sweet associations made there.


Norma was born on April 2, 1927 in Preston, Idaho. She was the youngest of 5 children. Both her Mom and her Dad came to America as adults from northern Italy through Ellis Island with the promise of a better life for themselves and their future family. Since only Italian was spoken at home, Norma started first grade knowing little English. She learned quickly however, and school became fun and easy for her.


Norma was raised on a farm in the small southeastern Idaho community of Clifton. Besides all of the farm chores, Norma learned to cook, embroider, crochet and knit from her mother. After high school, Norma attended Utah State Agricultural College (now Utah State University) in Logan, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. One month later, she and Francis Jesper Rasmussen were married in Clifton on July 20, 1949. They were later sealed in the Logan Temple on June 28, 1965.


Her husband, Francis, graduated from law school at the University of Idaho, they then settled in Soda Springs in 1952. Norma and Francis raised their 4 children in Soda Springs. Norma also earned her B.S. degree in Elementary Education and taught school (5th Grade) for over 20 years in Soda Springs. She loved the experiences of touching the lives of those she taught. After being happily married for 34 years, Francis died suddenly at the age of 57. Judge Rasmussen served as a District Judge in Soda Springs for 22 years. Francis's passing was difficult for Norma, but she continued teaching school for a number of years, then moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1988 to be closer to family.


Norma was a faithful member of the LDS church, serving in a number of callings, including an 18-month Family History mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. She had a fervent testimony of the truthfulness of the LDS church and loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. Service brought joy to Norma and she gave freely of her time and means to family members, friends and many charity organizations. Norma was a conscientious and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.


Norma is survived by her children, Gary (Pam) Rasmussen of Tucson, Arizona, Craig (Savina) Rasmussen of Cedar City, Utah, Connie (Tom) Larsen of Mesa, Arizona, and Wayne (Ladawn) Rasmussen of Melissa, Texas; 20 grandchildren, and 61 great-grandchildren.


Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 6, 2017 in Mesa, Arizona.

Interment will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs, Idaho on Saturday, May 13, 2017. There will be a public viewing at the Sims Funeral Home on May 13, 2017 from 11:00 am to Noon, followed by a brief memorial service at 12:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested a donation be given to either: LDS Humanitarian Services: (https://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services.html) or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation at ww5.komen.org in memory of Norma Rasmussen.