Ruth E Rasmussen

Ruth Elaine Elwood Rasmussen passed from this world on June 9, 2026.  Ruth was born on February 28, 1926 near Exira, Iowa to Bill and Alice Elwood.  In her passing, she joined up with her best friend, her husband, Erling Rasmussen.

Ruth was 100 (and a bit more).  She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She could throw a last-minute party with grace, ease and perfection, and you were always welcome in her home.  Ruth’s first teaching job was after she graduated from high school at the age of 17.  She had attended Buena Vista College to earn teaching credentials.    At one point she had her younger sister, Dorothy, as a student.  In 1971, Ruth earned her BS from Dana College.  All-in-all, Ruth’s life was dedicated to helping third and fourth graders (her favorite grades) move along in their school life.   In 1988, she retired from teaching after more than 30 years.

Following retirement, Ruth and Erling moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.  They lived by the lake, entertained on the lake, and made many, many wonderful friends.   Ruth and Erling were a pretty impressive team in many ways.  But one that stands out was dynamic duo of the garden.  Erling grew the most wonderful vegetables – and Ruth – she was in charge of canning, freezing and the like.  They began their last journey together on July 15, 2017, when they moved to Mackinaw, Illinois to be closer to their son.  When Erling passed, they had been married 71 years.

Ruth had the most incredible talent when it came to working with her hands.  She was a master at quilting, sewing, basket weaving and more.   She had a delicate touch and every stitch was perfect.  Her quilts and wall hangings are too many to count and were made with love for family members.   She first learned quilting (at age 12) from her Nanna when her mom went to Iowa State 4H.  During her time in Arkansas, she compiled a book of stories of her memories growing up in Iowa.   The detail with which she chronicled the events was as fine as her sewing talent.

She was very social.  Ruth was a 50 plus member of Chapter BJ, P.E.O., Audubon, Iowa; a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Little Red River Chapter; and 17th Century Colonial Dames.  In 1999, Ruth received an Honorary Life Membership from the Presbyterian Women.  One her fondest roles was serving on the Board of the Friendship Home in Audubon, Iowa.  She also loved to dance, play cards, was fond of wild birds, and loved flowers, especially peonies, pansies, iris, and lily of the valley.

Ruth’s family would like to thank her wonderful friends in Mackinaw as well as her incredible caregiver team.   Their love and support were unending and helped ease the transition - truly a group of guiding angels.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Alice Elwood; husband Erling; sisters Mary Margaret Hansen and Dorothy Hill; and son-in-law Jim Causey.  She is survived by daughter Cindy and her husband Bob Olmstead and son Tony Rasmussen.  In addition, Ruth had a wonderful family of grandchildren and great grandchildren:  Jennifer Johnson (Jeff) and daughters Emma and Kaitlyn; Cristy Beccue (Phil) and children Shianna (Blake) Phillips, Lily and Kaleb; Rachel Naramore (Brian) and children Abbigail, Elizabeth and A.J.; Michael Rasmussen (Katie) and daughter Kayla; Lois Olmstead (Scott Wakeham) and son Samuel; and Robert B. Olmstead (Robby Anderson). She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews she cherished.

The family request joyful attire – Ruth would want that!

Visitation will be Thursday, June 25,2026, from 5-7 pm at Haensel-Oswald Funeral Home, 501 S. Orchard St,, Mackinaw Il  61755.  Memorial / Funeral Service will be Friday, June 26,2026, at 11 am at the Mackinaw United Methodist Church, 107 N, Orchard St., Mackinaw IL.  Burial will take place at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Kimballton, Iowa in September.

If you would like to give in Ruth’s name, please consider:  The Friendship Home,  Audubon Iowa, Mackinaw United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

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