Cassandra Lois Rexus

Born in Greeley, Colorado on Aug. 3, 1944, she grew up on the family farm in nearby Gilcrest, Colorado along with her younger brother Rick. Growing up, Cassie rode horses, was involved in 4-H and played piano for many years, often practicing in the morning before she went to school. She was 13 years old when she attended a school dance with a boy two years older who would later become the love of her life. Her husband, Frank Rexus, said he fell in love with her the moment he saw her, although they didn’t start seriously dating until she was older.

Cassie’s father insisted she could not get married until she was 19, so she and Frank had their wedding on Aug. 4, 1963, the day right after her 19th birthday. Their first born son, Matthew, came the following spring in late April.

The young family spent time in Missouri before finally settling in Olympia, Washington where they would have one more son, Daniel, and live the rest of their lives. Cassie was a perfectionist who never had a hair out of place. Her attention to detail and computer-like memory served her well as a secretary at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, where she worked for 27 years. Cassie was quiet, thoughtful and wouldn’t say a bad word about anyone. She also had a tremendous inner strength that helped her beat cancer four different times in her life. Cassie truly was a walking miracle.

While our hearts are broken, we are grateful she is now whole and at peace.

A beloved wife and mother, Cassie is survived by her husband, Frank, son Matt (Cecilia) Rexus of Kennewick, Washington, and grandchildren Tyler, Stephanie (Drew), Brendan (Kaelyn), Jeremy (Anna) and Johnathon .

She is also survived by son Daniel (Teressa) Rexus of Graham, Washington and grandchildren Robert and Richard.

Additionally, Cassie is survived by her sister-in-law Mary Schafer of Gilcrest, Colorado and Mary’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cassie is preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Venice Schafer, her brother, Rick Schafer, and her grandparents, Harvey (Esther) Mathias and Jacob (Elizabeth) Schafer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Mills & Mills Funeral Home, 5725 Littlerock Road SW, Tumwater, Washington 98512.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” Proverbs 31:25-28