Terry Anne Rasmussen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 68.
She was born on January 11, 1957, in Christiansburg, VA, to Terry Wayne Burcham and Marjorie Anne Frye. She cherished her parents dearly. Terry and her family moved to Huntsville, AL, when she was young. It was here that she forged loving relationships with her four siblings and made timeless childhood memories with them. Terry was involved in extracurricular activities during her upbringing, with a notable enthusiasm for music, a passion fostered by her parents. She played the clarinet in the Grissom High School marching band and graduated in 1975. Terry also trained in the art of playing the classical guitar, a skill she was very proud of. During these high school years, Terry also began her career working as an EEG Technician. After graduation, to complement her career, Terry took it upon herself to obtain board certification as a Registered EEG Technologist, being only the 681st individual to earn this credential. Terry was extremely proud of this accomplishment and her time in the medical field. She would later continue her education at the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
It was also during her high school years that Terry was entrusted with a greater responsibility within her family, helping her dad to care for her younger siblings following the divorce of her parents. This experience impressed upon Terry the importance of a strong family unit.
In 1979, Terry married her first love, Ike Moore. Around this time, Terry participated in missionary lessons and converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Terry and Ike later divorced in 1982.
Terry and Kurt Rasmussen were married December 22, 1984. Terry harbored much love for the Rasmussen family and their testimony of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Rasmussen family was a major inspiration for Terry’s devotion to the LDS Church.
In 1985 Kurt and Terry settled in Hazel Green, AL, their true home. During the early years of their marriage, Terry and Kurt shared their love for sports: Terry with her passion for Alabama football, and Kurt with his knowledge of baseball and the Atlanta Braves. As a result, they regularly attended games and gathered to watch them on television with friends and family.
By 1987, Terry had made the decision to devote her time and efforts to raising children and family. Terry’s faith and unconditional love would serve as cornerstone values in the raising of their eventual family. She and Kurt were blessed with four wonderful children: Rachel, Daniel, Matthew, and Samuel. One of Terry’s proudest testaments to her faith was the Biblical names she chose for her children. Building a strong spiritual foundation for her family was of the utmost importance to Terry, as evidenced by her numerous church callings. She also took tremendous pride in the educational and extracurricular lives of her children, being active in school functions and recreational activities. Her favorite time of the year was celebrating Christmas with both her immediate and extended family.
In 2000, Terry was hospitalized due to septic shock and was in a coma for a week. She remained in the hospital for three months of in-patient rehabilitation. Despite a high mortality rate, Terry beat the odds. She was and remained a fighter.
In 2004, Kurt’s employer relocated him to Indiana. Despite her health challenges, Terry endured. She stayed alone with the children in Alabama and cherished the weekends when Kurt returned home. Her commitment to holding her family together during this time was inspirational.
By the summer of 2005, the family reunited and began their new chapter in Greentown, Indiana. Terry proudly watched as her children continued their education, began their careers, and started families of their own.
The next two decades were filled with an abundance of love and adventure for her family. Terry would constantly crack jokes with her husband and children. She brought a smile to everyone’s face and was always a good sport. When Kurt and Terry became empty-nesters, Terry expanded her motherly affections to her cat, Bentley. She loved to sneak snacks to him when she thought Kurt wasn’t looking. Terry also loved introducing new people to Alabama football, spending fall Saturdays welcoming guests into her home to cheer on the Crimson Tide. She enjoyed attending Kokomo Jackrabbits and the Rocket City Trash Pandas baseball games. She passed the time by watching her favorite television programs, listening to music, and solving puzzles. She enjoyed dining out and attending concerts with family and friends. One of the highlights of these years was the family’s many trips to both Utah and Alabama to visit extended family. Whether they were playing pool, board games, or simply talking, Terry loved the moments when her family could be together.
One of the most precious chapters in her life was becoming a grandmother. Terry impatiently waited to become a grandmother and was so graciously blessed with three granddaughters in the span of two years. Terry valued her time visiting with her granddaughters, making them smile, and seeing them laugh together.
Terry was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Anne Frye and Terry Wayne Burcham, her stepmother, Sara Burcham, younger brother, Stephen Burcham, and stepbrother, Jim Derington.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Kurt Rasmussen. They were blessed to have been able to celebrate the 40-year milestone before Terry’s passing. She is also survived by her four children, Rachel (Joshua) Tepps (Milwaukee, WI), Daniel Rasmussen (Huntsville, AL), Matthew (Allison) Rasmussen (Kirklin, IN), and Samuel (Shelby Harrison) Rasmussen (Greentown, IN); three granddaughters, Hazel RuthAnne Rasmussen, Hattie Lee Rasmussen, and Elsie Jo Rasmussen. Terry is survived by two sisters and a brother, Karen Russell (Brownsboro, AL), Cheyenne Hilbert (Cullman, AL), and Mark (Mary) Burcham (Madison, AL); sister-in-law, Cindy Burcham (Madison, AL); stepsister, Nancy (Kem) Robertson, and stepbrother, Tom (Kathy) Derington; along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Visitation will be Friday, February 28, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, with service to follow at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1804 Sparkman Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816. Burial will take place in Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree or make a donation to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens in Terry’s memory.
