Martha Elizabeth Mertz High (Beth) Rasmussen, 77, of Brownwood, passed away Monday, September 21, 2015, at her home in Brownwood.

Services will be held at Davis-Morris Funeral Home on Thursday, September 24, 2015, 10:00 AM.  Burial will follow in Greenleaf Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2015, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Martha Elizabeth Mertz High (Beth) Rasmussen was born on November 22, 1937, in Danville, Illinois, to Jacob Harlan and Elizabeth Audra Trueman Mertz.  Her mother died at Beth’s birth and she was raised and later adopted by Jesse and Grace Iva Trueman High.  Beth was attending Eastern Illinois University when she met and married Donald Allan Rasmusse, whom she loved for almost 59 years.  She later earned her Bachelor’s Degree from McNeese State University.

Beth was a school teacher for many years and later stayed at home to raise her children.  Her passion was researching family genealogy and taking genealogy trips.  She also enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband and her four children: Allene Nichols of Dallas, Texas; Edith Rasmussen Ahern (Patrick) of Lake Forest, Illinois; Dara Jean Halydier (Tracy) of Brownwood, Texas and Donald Allan Rasmussen, Jr. of Tyler, Texas.  Also living are 10 grandsons: Garrett Halydier; Nathan Halydier (Victoria); Aaron Halydier (Hannah); Ethan Halydier (Eighmy); Lucas Halydier; Partrick Ahern, Jr.; Paul Ahern II; Maxwell Nichols; Aidan Ahern,  and William Ahern.  In addition, she is survived by three great-grandchildren. Beth is also survived by three sisters and two brothers: Thelma McKinley of Illinois; Betty Powell of Indiana; Irene Morgan of Arkansas; Ted Mertz of California and Leonard Mertz of Arkansas. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
Condolences for the family may be left online at www.davismorrisfuneralhome.com.  Davis-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.