On March 6, 2024, Eunice A. Rasmussen will celebrate a milestone birthday, turning 90 years old, surrounded by family and friends in sunny Yuma, Arizona.
Born in Glenwood, Utah in 1934, Eunice is the fifth of nine children born to Danciel and Cleo Peterson. Her childhood memories hold dear the idyllic life of canning, cooking, raising animals, and church attendance with her four sisters and four brothers. Playing games like kick the can and hide-and-seek with siblings and neighbors were her favorite pastimes.
Eunice graduated from Richfield High School in 1952 and soon after moved to Salt Lake City to start a career as a seamstress at Pikes Manufacturing Company. It was during one visit home that fate brought her face-to-face with Rodney Rasmussen from Salina, Utah. A romance blossomed, and they married in the Manti Temple on March 19th, 1954, a day Eunice cherishes as “wonderful and special.” This year marks not only their 90th birthdays but also their 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love.
Together, Rodney and Eunice raised four children: Kirk D. (Mitzie, deceased and LaRea), Kreig M. (Dixie), Kevin Ira (Stacie), and Sheila Kay (Troy) Manwill. Beyond being a devoted wife and mother, Eunice played a vital role in supporting Rodney’s heavy equipment construction company.
A pillar of her community and her faith, Eunice served in various capacities within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Cub Scout Leader, Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society President. They also served as Manti Temple Ordinance Workers and Family Home Evening Teachers at the Central Utah Correctional Facility. In 2010, they embarked on a service mission to the Adam-ondi-Ahman Mission in Missouri. Later in their mission, she and Rodney were honored to serve as the directors of the Adam-ondi-Aham mission cherishing the spiritual growth and friendships forged during that time.
Eunice’s hobbies reflect a life well-lived. From maintaining a neat home to tending to her flower garden, laundry, sewing, quilting, enjoying Hallmark movies, QVC, and riding in the side-by side UTV. She embraces the simple pleasures in life. She actively participates in family traditions and enjoys spending time with her 23 grandchildren and 64 great-grandchildren.
Living in the North Sevier area holds a special place in Eunice’s heart. She cherishes the close-knit community and the friendships she’s built over the years. She tells everyone “I live in one of the friendliest places in the world.” For the past 21 winters, she and Rodney have enjoyed “snow birding” in Yuma, Arizona, expanding their circle with new friends in both Yuma and Mexico.
As Eunice embraces this milestone birthday, one of her favorite sayings resonates deeply: “Do one thing every day that makes you happy.” Surrounded by loved ones, her spirit of joy and dedication to family and community continues to inspire all who know her.
