Nancy Lou Borton Rasmussen, 88, of Lansing, KS passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
Nancy was surrounded by her family on her final Mother’s Day, and a comfortable passing at home with the assistance of Kansas Palliative & Hospice Care was the greatest gift.
Nancy (Granny or Ne Ne to her grandchildren and niece/nephews) was born July 23, 1934 in Toledo, OH to Samuel Becker Borton and Helen Myrtle Fraker Borton. Her older sister Marlene Kay Borton Ritzman introduced her to the love of her life, Rex Todd Rasmussen and they married in Lawrence, KS on November 14, 1959 at Plymouth Congregational Church. Rex and Nancy enjoyed 63 wonderful years of marriage, 36 of those growing fond memories on their farm in Junction City, KS surrounded by wonderful neighbors. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and sister. Her resilience is alive in the surviving family: her husband Rex, son Andrew Becker Rasmussen (Cindy) and daughter Amy Kay Rasmussen Cooper (Kevin); her grandchildren: Tyler Cole Rasmussen, Callie Jane Rasmussen, Callin Harper, Kathryn Helen Allen (Blake), Bobby Oliver (Jennifer), and Mikey Oliver (Jenna) and former daughter-in-law Carolyn Winter. Also surviving are her niece Elizabeth Ritzman (Cheryl), and nephews: John Ritzman, David Ritzman, Paul Ritzman (Michele) and Mark Ritzman (Janet) and a cat Abigail.
Nancy loved all creatures great and small. She guided Andy and Amy in raising various animals for competitions throughout 12 years of involvement with the Humboldt 4-H Club. As a family they adopted several dogs and cats together and she enjoyed watching the wildlife around the farm. She appreciated nature and would road-trip through the Southwest with her husband before losing her eyesight to macular degeneration. Nancy never lost her joy for life and her laugh was always the loudest in the room.
For years Nancy worked as a clerk alongside Rex at the pharmacy, The Apothecary Shop, later known as Westside Drugs caring for her community. Nancy also volunteered as a Sunday school teacher at First United Presbyterian Church where she shared her kindness and compassion for humanity. But her pride and joy was her garden and kitchen and she crafted food and beauty for everyone around her. The kitchen table was always set and Nancy was ready to feed every visitor. Nancy practiced radical kindness and instilled in her children her values of not just equality and acceptance, but embracing and celebrating people for their differences. Nancy judged no one and welcomed all. Nancy continued learning about the world around her until her final days, many of which were spent with Rex reading historical books and biographies to her. While a chapter closed in Nancy’s life her story isn’t over. Her family will share her talents in the kitchen and the recipes for generations to come. Most importantly they will keep telling the story of Nancy’s love for life and connecting with people.
The family will hold a private service at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to a local animal shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association