Rae Dawn Sutherland Obituary (1935 - 2021)

Rae Dawn Rasmussen Sutherland returned to the arms of her loving Heavenly Father peacefully on February 19, 2021 at the age of 85. The final weeks of her life were filled with family and friends. Rae Dawn was born April 2, 1935 to Alvin Leath Rasmussen and LaFaye Jensen in Salina, Utah. She married Gordon Lawrence Sutherland on September 5, 1953 in Salina, Utah, and the couple was later sealed in the St. George Temple on August 18, 1973. They were married 64 years before Gordon passed away in 2017, and they are now reunited. They were blessed with five wonderful children. Throughout her life she was a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In all her callings she gave her all and was a dedicated ministering sister. While serving, she made many lifelong friends who were there with her and supported her to the very end. Rae Dawn was passionate about the things she loved and they brought her immense joy. Her family was her pride and joy and she loved them unconditionally. She went out of her way to make sure others knew they were loved. She loved shopping and lunch dates with the girls, friends, and family. She made birthdays and holidays special. Gifts and cards with hand-written messages were always sent. Her beautiful yard and home were well kempt. Rae Dawn’s hobbies were gardening and reading books. She was a doer, and it was not until the last six months that cancer slowed her down. She will be warmly remembered for her unconditional love, her generosity, and the service she rendered to others; always fueled by a Diet Coke. She proved she was a true warrior, not just in the end of her life but always as trials were sent her way. She is survived by her children: Cheryl (Brice) Betenson, Laine (Joanne) Sutherland, Craig (Staci) Sutherland, Lisa Busby, and Jodie (James) Armendariz. Rae Dawn is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, as well as one sister, Deanna R. Thompson, brother Bryan (Kathy) Rasmussen, and brother-in-law Gerry Sutherland. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, her parents, Renee R. Anderson, Hal Anderson, Iona Sutherland, Lorry Sutherland, Russell Sutherland, Carolyn Sutherland, and Vicki Sutherland. A viewing will be held at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 N. 300 W, Cedar City, Utah) on Friday, February 26, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 1:00 pm at the Cedar 15th Ward Meeting House (500 West 400 North), with a viewing immediately prior from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery. Funeral services will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/oXJBZRracNg The family would like to express gratitude for the outpouring of love and support shown at this time. A special thank you to Iron County Home Health: Marie, she loved you. Thank you Ethan Bunker from Sun Tree Home Health & Hospice. Covid restrictions will be observed. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Rae Dawn Rasmussen Sutherland, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.