Leota “Lee” Walther Rasmussen, beloved aunt, wife, sister, and friend, passed away on Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at the age of 93, in Broken Arrow, Okla., with her niece by her side.

Born on June 26, 1931 in Danbury, Lee was the middle child of three daughters born to Helen and Ernest Walther. After graduating from Danbury High School, Lee began working for Barden Corporation as a factory worker making ball bearings. She was proud to tell you that some of those bearings were used on the Space Shuttle. After 45 years, she retired, and she and her husband began volunteering for the State of Connecticut Welcome Center, assisting travelers as they navigated their way around their beloved state.

Lee married her wonderful husband Harvey Rasmussen in 1957 and they enjoyed 57 years of happiness together until his passing in 2014. They lived in Newtown for a total of 64 years. They lived a refreshingly simple, frugal and content lifestyle. Lee loved her home and made it a place where friends and family enjoyed coming together to eat, drink and laugh with her as she told entertaining stories with her funny sense of humor. She took pride in maintaining a neat and beautiful home inside and out, and mowed her yard by herself well into her 80s.

In 2020, it was determined she could no longer live on her own as the effects of Alzheimer’s disease began to become obvious. She relocated to Broken Arrow, Okla., to live with her sister Betty. Although she was happy and glad to be there, not a day went by Lee didn’t ask about her Newtown home and when she could go back. She missed it desperately.

Lee and Betty spent 3½ years together laughing, talking about old times, going out for coffee and spending time with her niece Lise and her family. Betty unexpectedly passed away in 2023 and Lee remained in her home with Lise’s help.

Lee was predeceased by her parents, husband Harvey, sister Betty Mertens, brother-in-law Fred Mertens, and brother-in-law Raymond Person.

She is survived by her sister, Judy Person of Danbury; niece, Lise Dean and husband Jim of Broken Arrow, Okla.; great niece and nephew Erin and Evan Dean, and niece Susan Person of Newtown.

Lee was a genuine lady. She was kind to all, loved by all. Lee will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

A graveside service will be held at Newtown Village Cemetery on Thursday, October 24, at 3:30 pm. All who wish to attend are invited. Reception will follow at Marygold’s on Main beginning at 4 pm.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Lee’s name to Newtown Historical Society (Newtownhistory.org) or Friends of Edmond Town Hall (Friendsofeth.org).