Nadine Rasor, 87

Nadine Olive Rasor, 87, passed away peacefully and with family Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Nadine was born Oct. 26, 1936, in Jackson, Calif., to Margol and Samuel Rader. Nadine graduated in 1953 from Calaveras High School in Jackson in the top 5% of her class. She married Arthur Rasor in 1952 and they started to build a family in Lake Tahoe, Nev. The family moved to Sandpoint in 1969 and purchased a cattle ranch to embrace country living. 

The kids were heavily involved in Future Farmers of America in the 1970s and Nadine was always dedicated to driving them to every convention and meeting, no matter where they were held. The Bonner County Fair was also a big deal in the family, as the kids showed animals as part of their FFA participation. Nadine never missed a showing or any fair event her kids were involved in.

Nadine’s passion in life was her family; she loved nothing more than to be surrounded by the entire family to celebrate all holidays in her own big way. She went out of her way to make everyone feel special and put all her effort into making every celebration perfect. She was an amazing cook and loved to give gifts.

Her giving spirit was commonly known, and Nadine would open up her home to anyone who needed a place to stay, no questions asked and for however long they needed. It was not unusual to have people staying at the ranch and they were instantly part of the family. She was generous to a fault and would give anyone anything they needed, even if it meant she would go without.

Nadine loved kids and she opened up an in-home daycare after her own children moved out. All her daycare kids called her Grandma Dean, and they would also become part of the family. She even gave them birthday and Christmas gifts and, rest assured, they were deeply loved.

Nadine was an avid collector of many things, but owls were her favorite. She amassed a collection of over 200 owl-related items (we are still counting), and her first tattoo was, of course, an owl. She was also highly creative and loved to make ceramics. She was quite talented and created some beautiful pieces. She also loved to crochet and knit many different things, but she was famous in the family for crocheting beautiful blankets customized in the favorite colors of the recipient. She was also a huge sports fan; her favorite team was the Raiders and rooted for the Seattle Mariners; she also had an extensive baseball card collection. 

Nadine was known for her spirited attitude, quick wit, and rebellious nature — her independent streak made her a bit of a trendsetter by challenging gender stereotypes. She rode her motorcycle in the 1950s and '60s, she was the only female saw operator at a woodworking shop, and she operated the equipment for the family’s haying business. She was one to always speak her mind, and never let anything stop her; if she wanted to do it, she did it and she did it her way. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and especially by her family. We were all so lucky. 

She is survived by her children, Cornel (Kim), Nathan (Sandra), Edward, and Shaunett (Matt); her brother, John (Linda); sister, Elya (Peter); and 10 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; mother Margol; father Samuel; stepfather George; son Steven; daughter-in-law Lawana; and granddaughter Adrienne. 

There will be a celebration of life gathering on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the VFW Hall, 1325 Pine St., Sandpoint. Memory sharing will begin at 3:30 p.m. for stories and fond memories of Nadine, so she can be celebrated to the fullest. Coffee and desserts will be served. No potluck, please.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Nadine's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guestbook.