“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want… surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23).
Shirley was born April 4, 1937 in Hamilton, MT. at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital to David Emmanuel Rasmussen and Hazel Pearl Johnson Rasmussen who had recently moved to the Bitterroot Valley and lived with David’s parents who had moved here in 1929.
Shirley spent her twelve school years growing up in the Corvallis area – in the Corvallis schools, and in the Corvallis Community Church. She graduated in May of 1955 with many of her first through twelfth grade classmates.
Shirley went on to graduate from college with her first teaching position in the third grade at Whitefish, MT. Her teaching career ended 32 years later, in OR. mainly teaching first or second graders. She loved all children! Especially her hundreds of students, and her three generations of nieces and nephews.
Shirley loved to travel, her first long trip alone was an overseas flight to Spain where she spent June to November (1963) with her oldest brother Dean and family who were stationed with the Air Force at Zaragosa (living in an apartment in the city) enjoying the wonderful Spanish culture.
In the summer of 1965 Shirley and a Seattle Cousin Bonnie and a Flathead Valley teacher friend Jolene drove 10,000 miles around Europe. Not one scratch could be found by the car company in London when returned, The inspector said “A first in forever!” “You gals drove through all the largest cities in Western and Northern and Southern Europe came back with a perfect-looking Hilman Imp rental car!” (Shirley was the driver because it had a clutch with Jolene as the perfect (smart) navigator, and Bonnie responsible for the hotel/inns.
Preceding Shirley in death were her parents: David E. Rasmussen (Jan. 9, 1981), Hazel P. Johnson Rasmussen (April 4, 1990). Her brothers Dean Rasmussen (Sept. 23, 1997), Jerry Rasmussen (Feb. 18, 2017), Duane Rasmussen (Dec. 23, 2017) and sister Beverly Ann Rasmussen Springer July 7, 2022.
She met the love of life, Robert C. Downing, around Aug. 1969 and were married on Mar. 16, 1974. Their life was filled with many wonderful adventures traveling all over the world. They were married for 51 years at Bob’s passing. Preceding her in death on July 31, 2025.
As her parting wishes for those she cared so much about, she leaves the following:
“When springtime begins in the Bitterroot and the buttercups are in bloom, I hope that my beloved family will remember the special love I have for each of you.”
“Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee, How great Thou art… How great Thou art” (Ps 147). Home with our Lord in Heaven on June 29, 2026.
A celebration of life for both Bob and Shirely will be held Saturday, Aug. 22, 1 p.m. at Bob and Shirley’s place in Hamilton. We will have a potluck and share memories and stories of their lives.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
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