Ruth Dana Rasmussen, a long-time resident and secretary for Benicia Unified School District’s business manager for more than 20 years, died Oct. 3 in Sacramento with her family by her side. She was 77.

Rasmussen was born in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1939 but moved to Benicia with her family in 1960. Her husband Ron worked as a brick mason, and both were active participants in the community. Ruth was involved with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she served as treasurer, sang in the choir and assisted with the Peddlers Fair. She was also a Cub Scout den mother in the late ’60s and early ’70s, briefly served as acting city clerk in the early ‘70s and was known by many as an assistant to BUSD’s business manager from the late ‘70s until the early ‘00s.

Her son Rik said Ruth was very dedicated to serving the children of her district, and her generosity really shone through in her role. This was especially evident after the passage of Proposition 13, which substantially reduced property taxes on homes and businesses.

“The school district had money that had to be spent or it would revert back to the state,” he said. “She was able to look at the supply needs for the entire year and ordered everything in so that the city wouldn’t lose the money that was in the account.”

Ruth would do things like buy a year’s supply of paper and ensured that the budget was being spent in ways the district needed without losing money. She also would arrange for bus transportation and processed the records of thousands of students during her tenure.

The Rasmussens were very well-known in Benicia and involved the community in many activities. Ruth and Ron were part of an Oldtimers group that arranged for bus trips to attend San Francisco Giants games, and they also hosted an oyster breakfast every Christmas morning that they invited the entire neighborhood to. They also would host a 4th of July party every year that the community was invited to.

“A couple of the bars used to say, ‘The only reason we stay open is to give directions to your house,’” Rik said.

Events like these, as well as their roles within Benicia, made the Rasmussens popular within their town, Rik said, especially in the pre-Southampton days.

“They knew everybody by name, and everybody knew them by name,” he said.

One of Rik’s favorite qualities of Ruth was her acceptance of everybody and her willingness to help those in need. One example was when Rik’s aunt had a lengthy illness, and Ruth brought her family in to live with them.

“Even though we lived in a three bedroom, one bathroom house, we took in five extra kids so that they would be raised with family for about six months,” he said. “Anybody who needed anything, she would try to make sure they got it.”

Ruth and Ron were also active in the outdoors. They would go crabbing in Bodega Bay, fishing in Alaska and traveled in their RV to visit family across the country. They also were fond of their poodles, Dobby and Dobby Deux.

By 2015, Ron was unable to drive and Ruth was driving less frequently. They reluctantly left the city they loved that year to move into a senior living facility in Sacramento to be closer to their children.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ron; her children Rik, Robyn, Risa and Richard; their spouses; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Rik said Ruth will always be remembered for her dedication and openness.

“She was just a really devoted person that made a difference in a quiet way,” he said. “She wasn’t one that wanted a huge spotlight on her, but if somebody was hungry or if somebody needed clothes, she would be right there to make sure that it happened. She was devoted to her family and extended family. It was not uncommon growing up that her four kids would be at the dinner table, and we’d have a friend at the dinner table. Everybody was family.”

A memorial service for Ruth will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Sacramento, located at 1430 J St. Rik will conduct a mass, which will be followed by a reception. All friends are invited.