WILMINGTON — Mrs. Sara Bell “Sally” Rasmussen (née Lingenfelter), age 82, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Born on May 3, 1942, in Wheeling, West Virginia, she lived a life marked by devotion to her family and a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.
Sally attended Pennsylvania State University, where she began laying the foundation for a life centered around learning, love, and resilience. As the devoted wife of Roy Rasmussen, she embraced the unique challenges and rewards of being an Air Force spouse. During Roy’s multiple deployments, Sally raised their three children with strength and grace—Shawn, Leslie, and Mark—instilling in them the values of loyalty, compassion, and perseverance.
A loving mother and grandmother, Sally found immense joy in her growing family. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren—Jackson, Zoe, Ben, Emery, and Jake—and took pride in watching them grow into their own lives. Her daughters-in-law Renee and Jennifer, and son-in-law Jeff, were also dear to her heart.
Sally enjoyed playing bridge with friends and could often be found immersed in a good book or captivated by episodes of Law & Order. Her love for beach trips was well known among those close to her; the ocean brought her peace and happiness throughout her life.
Her warmth extended beyond family to friends who knew her as someone always ready for a heartfelt conversation or spontaneous seaside getaway. Sally’s legacy is one of enduring love—for her husband Roy who preceded her in death, for her children and grandchildren who carry forward her spirit, and for the many friends whose lives she touched along the way.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Oleander Memorial Gardens located at 306 Bradley Drive in Wilmington, North Carolina. Following the service, a celebration of life will take place at the home of Jeff and Leslie Hamilton at 1262 Waterway Court in Wilmington.
May Sally’s memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.
