Melva (Mimi) Gifford Rasmussen Obituary (1937

Melva (Mimi) Gifford Rasmussen, 88, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025 in her home. She was born July 21, 1937, to Carl Millet and Lorrene Hall Gifford in Springdale, Utah. She lived in Springdale until the family moved to St. George when she was five. She was a beautiful platinum blonde child with a vibrant personality to match. She was the only girl among three brothers who all grew to be over 6 feet tall. She loved to bake and would often spend extra time getting the frosting of a cake just perfect only to have her brothers devour it in minutes. She graduated from Dixie High School and attended Dixie College (now Utah Tech). She took a seasonal job at Bryce Canyon where she met the love of her life, Hans William Rasmussen. They were sealed in the St. George Temple on July 16, 1960. They raised their family in Salt Lake City and St. George. She was able to stay at home to raise their three children, one boy and two girls. Music was a very important part of her life. She played the piano and beautiful music was often heard in her home. She was a member of the Heritage Choir for 22 years where she was able to travel and perform across the United States, Mexico, England, Scotland, Armenia and Czech Republic. She was also a member of the Southwest Chorale, the Desert Diamonds (a woman’s barbershop chorus), and sang in various ward choirs. She enjoyed her time as a member and officer (chaplain) of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers for 14 years. She shared stories and journals of her pioneer ancestors. She had a deep appreciation of their work and sacrifices that they made to come to the Intermountain West to start a better life. She took writing and art classes and was part of book groups. She loved to watch birds, draw, oil paint, crochet and decorate her home. In fact, she loved to change the living room furniture around very often for a fresh look and would sometimes change the bedrooms around to make things really interesting. Her children gave her an honorary title of home re-arranger and decorator. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, having served in Relief Society presidencies, as the ward and stake music chair among other callings throughout the years. She was often found serving others and never hesitated to help someone when she saw a need. She also loved her time serving in the temple with the new brides to help them get ready for their big day. She had many life-long friends. She spent time with them, went to lunch with them, laughed and cried with them. So many have described her as a kind, compassionate, loving person who had impeccable style and perfect hair. Her beauty and grace would light up a room. Her first grandchild started calling her Mimi as to distinguish his “grandma” from his “great-grandma” and that name stuck throughout the rest of her life. She loved her family and has always been very involved with the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her husband adored her and always treated her with kindness and respect. Every time he would attend the choir to see her sing, he would say that she was the most beautiful one there. Two days before he passed away in 2008, they had a nice, quiet dinner together. He always expressed his love for her and she did the same. She was an influence for good by living a simple, beautiful life bringing music and happiness into others’ lives. Some people go out of their way to show kindness, compassion and Christ-like love. Not her…It simply was her way. She will be missed by all who knew her. Melva is survived by her daughter, Myrlene Smith (Brian), daughter-in-law Mary Tyree Rasmussen and son-in-law Mark Swan, grandchildren Jeffery Rasmussen, Jennifer Burgi (Andrew J), Joseph Rasmussen, James Rasmussen, Sara Swan, Jason Swan, Matthew Smith (Brinli Gailey), Daniel Smith (Lexi Jensen), great granddaughters Layne Mary Burgi and Brooklyn Ann Burgi. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Hans William Rasmussen, her son, Brian H Rasmussen, her daughter, Madalyn Swan and grandson Stephen Mark Swan. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Pathway Hospice and Palliative Care who helped Mimi through her last months. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jolley-Gifford cemetery in Springdale, Utah.