Lois Rasmussen Matthews

Lois was born April 25, 1928 to Raymond and Alma Rasmussen in Geneva, Minnesota. Her father’s work with Caterpillar Equipment took the family, including older brother Robert (Bob) Raymond Rasmussen, to Minneapolis, Glasgow, Montana and then to Duluth, Minnesota when she was 9 years old. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1946, and from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth in 1950. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college.

Although Lois had initially accepted a job offer in Texas, she changed her mind at the last minute and decided to move to Seattle instead - joining several of her Minnesota friends who had already moved to Seattle. Once there, Lois became the head of the Medical Records School at Providence Hospital.

Shortly after arriving in Seattle in 1950, Lois met her future husband, Duane Matthews, while on a blind double-date. Though Duane was the guy from the OTHER couple on the date, Lois knew right away that he was the one she liked. They were married June 15, 1951, and celebrated their 72nd anniversary this year. Duane’s banking career took them from Seattle to Auburn and then to Mercer Island in 1965. Their daughter Dana Christine was born in 1955, and son Robert (Bob) Raymond in 1958.

Duane and Lois enjoyed extensive travel in Europe and throughout the US. They loved golf, including annual golfing vacations in California and playing at many courses in the Northwest. They were enthusiastic supporters of the Village Theater in Issaquah. Lois treasured the many close friends she made throughout her life through group trips, golf, bridge, and luncheons. She was a warm and gracious hostess with a great sense of humor, and always made any guest feel comfortable and welcome in their home.

Lois was a dedicated and supportive family member. She often flew to Minnesota to help her parents, and to Texas to assist her aunt Helen. She was a wonderful, loving and nurturing mother and grandmother, finding great joy in times of family togetherness. Lois chose to not work outside the home after having her children, allowing her time for being very active in her children’s lives, volunteering, and enjoying favorite pastimes with friends and family.

Lois was preceded in death by her brother Robert Rasmussen in 1980 at age 54, and later by her parents. Her beloved husband Duane Matthews died in September 2023. She is survived by her daughter Dana Matthews of Shoreline (husband Doug Hawkins) and Bob Matthews of Seattle (wife Karin). Dana has two children - Lois’s granddaughter Tessa McClellan (husband Palmer, great-granddaughters Zoey and Eva), and grandson Nate McClellan. Bob has one child - Lois’s granddaughter Annika.

At Lois’s request, there will not be a service. Interment will be at Acacia Memorial Park. Donations may be made to Seattle Children’s Hospital.