Jan Rasmussen, daughter of David I. and Deon R. Rasmussen of Ogden, Utah, died of Alzheimers disease at home on Wednesday, July 12, 2017. Jan was born in Salt Lake City on September 7, 1956. She lived briefly in Michigan and California before growing up in Tempe, Arizona where she graduated at the age of 21 from Getz School, a training school for special needs students. College for Jan was the Sterling Ranch School in Skull Valley, near Prescott, Arizona. Jan was proud to be first born. Born with Down Syndrome, Jan was fortunate to attend her first preschool in Ann Arbor, MI and her second in Berkley, CA an integrated co-op preschool. She attended Perry Institute in Phoenix, AZ where she was placed in the university class for readers prior to attending Getz School in Tempe. Teachers and friends were most important to Jan. The Arc of Tempe and the City of Tempe provided recreational opportunities. Jan won Special Olympic medals for swimming and ribbons in other areas. She excelled in art and during her school years was awarded a medal from the State of Arizona for her drawing of the Wizard of Oz characters for a placemat. She was active in Campfire Girls, enjoyed skating, biking, bowling, shooting baskets and swimming. Jan enjoyed camping and traveling with her family. She loved and helped care for the many family pets, especially the dogs. Jan had a wonderful sense of humor and was loved by so many. Moving to Ogden with her parents, Jan found new friends in special needs bowling. Developmental Training Systems, Inc. provided programs to keep up skills and friendships during her senior years. Jan loved life and had a strong work ethic despite facing many health problems, including mental health issues, serious surgeries and several bouts of pneumonia, but she had her final challenge with Alzheimers Disease. Jan is survived by her devoted parents and one brother, Brian D. Rasmussen (Eileen Brown) of Boulder, CO and one sister, Lora M. Rasmussen (Dean Buchser) of Talent, OR, one aunt, Anne Rasmussen of Logan, UT and 15 wonderful cousins. She is preceded in death by her loving brother D. Tab Rasmussen, grandparents D. Irvin and Fern Rasmussen, aunt Julia Gustaveson, uncle and aunt Kenneth and Erma Dransfield, uncle Russell Rasmussen, uncle Darrell Robison and Granny Ireta Taylor and husband LaMar Taylor. The family wishes to thank the Intermountain Hospice Team for their care and compassion, especially Julie, Samuel, Marcos, Camille and Dr. Marion Pham. Thanks to DTSI and staff, especially Sherry Richardson and to Jans respite moms, Cheryl Evans and Jaimie Manning. Thanks to the Neurobehavioral clinic at the U of U in SLC, especially Bonnie Mintz Anderson, APRN, to Dr. Cory Ferguson of Internal Medicine in Ogden, and to John R. Starley, D.D.S along with his wonderful staff. Also thanks to Rock and Ramona Sterling for the eleven years Jan lived under their care and guidance, and to the member of the Arc of Tempe who worked so hard to establish programs in Tempe that enriched so many lives. Thanks to friends, neighbors and all those who cared so much for Jan and her family-your prayers and love made it all possible. Memorial Services will be held at Leavitts Mortuary, 836 36th Street in Ogden at 11:00 am on Saturday July 29, 2017. Following the Chapel Service, family and friends will gather in the Atrium for lunch. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Developmental Training Systems, Inc. (DTSI) 433 S. Stewart Drive, Ogden, Utah or to another special needs program of your choice. Programs such as these enrich communities as well as the families they serve. Services entrusted to Leavitts Mortuary. Service Information