Nancy Carolyn Davis

It is with profound sadness and tender remembrance that we announce the passing of Nancy Rasmussen, a remarkable woman who graced this world with her compassion, warmth, and unwavering dedication to the health of others. Born on February 13, 1947, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Nancy left us on July 21, 2026, after a valiant 12-year battle with neuroendocrine cancer. Nancy was the beloved daughter of Oscar J. and Mary (George) Davis, who predeceased her, along with a cherished sister-in-law, Jimmy Lou (Owens) Davis. She leaves behind a loving family, including her husband of 40 years, Dean D. Rasmussen, whom she married on January 3, 1987, in Spartanburg, SC. Nancy and Dean’s life together was filled with adventure and love, from Bethel, Alaska, to their recent home in North Myrtle Beach, SC. She is also survived by her brother, George (Larry) Davis, two nieces, Jill (Rodney) Hughey and Jane (Jason) Seay, and two nephews, Mitchell Davis and Aaron Heery. Nancy's legacy of love extends to her seven great nephews and nieces and two great-great nephews and nieces. A woman of immense intelligence and dedication, Nancy graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1965, followed by a bachelor's degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina in 1969. She furthered her education with a master's degree in public health in 1977 from the University of Colorado. Her career was marked by a deep commitment to public health, starting with her role as a Public Health Nurse in Spartanburg, SC. Nancy’s passion for working with communities took her across the country, from Denver, CO, to the far reaches of Alaska, where she served as a beacon of care and leadership. Her career culminated as the Chief of Public Health Nursing for the State of Alaska, a testament to her dedication and expertise. Nancy also served her country with pride in the Army Reserves for 12 years, attaining the rank of Major. Her service included assignments at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Denver and Madigan Army Medical Center in Seattle, where she had the honor of caring for General of the Army Omar Bradley. Beyond her professional life, Nancy was an active member of her community and various organizations. Her affiliations included the Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, the Juneau Garden Club, the Juneau Yacht Club, and the Sons of Norway Lodge 2-33. A cherished member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood both in Juneau, AK, and North Myrtle Beach, SC, Nancy embodied the spirit of sisterhood and support. Nancy's personal life was a tapestry of interests and passions. She adored animals, especially her beloved cats, Tony Boy and Lilly Mae. Her love for gardening and travel took her to all 50 states and numerous countries abroad. A certified Master Gardener, Nancy’s green thumb was rivaled only by her adventurous spirit, which led her on a volunteer medical trip to Kenya and numerous travels across the globe. Those who knew Nancy will remember her as a kind, loving, and intelligent woman, whose storytelling and memory were unparalleled. Her extroverted nature and positive outlook on life left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Nancy’s courage and grace were evident in every challenge she faced, and her legacy of love and acceptance will endure in the hearts of those she touched. In honoring Nancy’s life and her commitment to supporting women, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the P.E.O. Foundation in Des Moines, IA. As Michelle Obama once said, “Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their women.” Nancy exemplified this belief in every facet of her life. Nancy's life was celebrated in a private ceremony, where her family and close friends gathered to honor her memory. Though she has departed from this world, Nancy's spirit lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.