Neva Joyce Rasmussen's Obituary
Neva Joyce Rasmussen (Prather) passed away peacefully the morning of Wednesday, November 13, 2022, with the love of her daughter surrounding her.
Neva was born in Ephrata, Washington 1934 to Lois and Keith Prather. She and her older sister Jackie grew up to be more than just sisters--they were life-long friends. Lois’s later marriage to Rudy Simonson blessed her with two additional loving sisters Sherry and Sandra.
Neva started her family in Lacey, Washington with John Miller. They welcomed son Michael 1955, daughter Dana 1958, and son Johnny 1964. Sister Sherry recalls that she was such a strong woman--a single mom for many years and never missing a birthday or Christmas. “She always had lots of Sunday dinners with homemade rolls. I’ll never forget the smells coming from the kitchen! I admire her for her strength, love of family, and perseverance--always seeing her kids had everything they needed. She always had a job and was very accomplished mortgage financer. Lots of love for family and friends, never forgetting where she came from and appreciating all who had part in getting her there.”
Neva married the love of her life Howard Rasmussen in Tacoma, Washington 1980. Together they truly lived the “good life”: collecting Roseville, sailing, home improving, gardening, birding, traveling, and cheering on the Seahawks while enjoy a glass (or two) of Macnaughton Canadian Whiskey. Nephew Jeffrey Guido spoke to her grace, class, and high-standards best when he reflected that her passing is “An end of an era.”
Neva relocated to Boise, Idaho in the final chapter of her life, enjoying quality time with daughter Dana Gesek ; grandchildren Theresa, Shane Plummer, Ashley and Jacob Gesek; and great grandchildren McKenzie, Kale, Kaison Plummer, Desmond, Winter, and Brooks Gesek. She will be missed by her Boise families and sisters Sherry and Sandra; grandchildren Michele, Jesse Zentz, Sarah, and Michael Gesek; great grandchildren Odessa, Leila Zentz, Hannah, and Mikey Gesek.
Neva was predeceased by her parents, Lois and Keith; sibling, Jackie Guido; sons Michael and Johnny; and husband Howard Rasmussen. Niece Jill summarized it best saying, “Neva navigated a lot of tragedy with a lot of grace.”
A Celebration of Neva’s Life will be held 11:30am Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Mountain View Funeral Home Memorial Park and Cremetory, 4100 Steilacoom Bl SW Lakewood, WA 98496-0947. Ceremony to include gravesite burial with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following charities: Audubon Society or Mayo Clinic--Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research.
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