Mary Lee Rasmussen

Mary Parlee "Mary Lee" Rasmussen, 93, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born Jan. 10, 1923, in Cape Girardeau to Aquilla Simpson and Maude Jane Dellinger Reed at the old Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

She happily married George T. Rasmussen on Dec. 23, 1946, in Cape Girardeau. He passed away May 31, 1984. To this union there were two daughters, Reed Ann (Burl) Reynolds and Jane Ellen (Tim) Kurre, all of Cape Girardeau. She also is survived by two granddaughters, Paige L. (Kevin) Strauss and Faith A. Reynolds. Other survivors include three nephews, Mike, Chuck and Alan Alsdorf; and a niece, Mary Beth Alsdorf, all of the Houston area.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; and a beloved sister-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Rasmussen (Irwin) Alsdorf.

Mary Lee graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1939 and Southeast Missouri State University in 1942. She was devoted to her church, having been a member of Centenary United Methodist Church for 50 years and then being a charter member of La Croix United Methodist Church, where she participated in many activities.

Mary Lee spent many pleasurable hours researching the genealogy of her family, resulting in her being a member of the Nancy Hunter Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.

She gave many years of service to the Meals on Wheels program, serving as a church coordinator.

Mary Lee always had a passion for conservative agendas. She served for many years as a Republican committeewoman and secretary of the Central Committee.

Mary Lee believed in being outspoken about her beliefs. Her life was marked by devotion to God, family and country.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at La Croix United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Officiating will be pastor Ron Watts. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to La Croix United Methodist Church or Teen Challenge.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.