Lorraine Margaret (Bingham) Rasmussen

Lorraine Margaret Bingham-Rasmussen, 95, long time resident of Sierra Vista and Tombstone, passed away surrounded by her loved ones at Lifecare Center of Sierra Vista on June 14, 2017. Lorraine was born on March 9, 1922 to George and Malinda (Zemke) Bingham in Brittan, South Dakota.

After High School she moved to Minnesota to go to college for Bookkeeping where she roomed with her best friend and future sister-in-law, Arene Rasmussen. Arene introduced her to the love of her life, Sgt. Everett Rasmussen and they were married on Oct. 13, 1943. Shortly after, Everett went to Germany as a soldier in the Army in World War II. After the war, Lorraine and Everett settled in Woodstock, Illinois, where they adopted their two children Gary and Rita Rasmussen.

Lorraine pursued her career in bookkeeping but was always known for her green thumb. She worked in many nurseries and also had various amounts of plants and greenery at home.

In 1971, the family uprooted to Tombstone, Arizona, where they lived until 2002. Lorraine worked at the Tombstone public library and then in 1973 opened her own store “The Sidewheel” which was a gas station, feed store, and nursery. When Lorraine and Everett decided to move to Sierra Vista, both were retired and loving all of the family who came frequently to visit them when they weren’t travelling the nation, camping, fishing, and visiting their loved ones near and far.

Everett passed away in 2004 and the following year Lorraine moved in with her daughter and granddaughter so she had company and help. The end of Lorraine’s life was spent in The Lifecare Center of Sierra Vista where everyone adored her and she made many friends with both the residents and the staff. On June 14, 2017, she went to be with the lord while being comforted by her daughter. Lorraine touched every person she met with her spunky personality and her patient soul. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her son Gary Rasmussen and daughter Rita Rasmussen; her three granddaughters, Sara Stratton, Stephanie (Joseph) Howard, and Hannah House; her four great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rebekah, Carl, and Andrew Howard; and many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of the Mountain Church on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10 a.m. with reception to follow.

Condolences and memorials may be sent to Rita Rasmussen and family at 50 W. Kayetan Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635.

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