Obituary: Iris Garff Rasmussen

Iris Garff Rasmussen "Go with love" Iris Garff Rasmussen passed away peacefully on December 31, 2005 at the age of 91 in Leesburg, Virginia, near the home of her son, Stirling Silliphant Rasmussen. Iris was born on October 3, 1914 to Regnal W. and Ruby T. Garff in Salt Lake City. She graduated from East High School in 1931 and the University of Utah in 1936. She was married to screenwriter Stirling Silliphant in the late 1930s and early 40s. While living in New York City during the 1940s, she earned a Master's degree in Psychology at Columbia University and later continued her studies at the University of California at Berkeley. Iris was a licensed psychologist in California where she followed a professional career in child therapy and psychological services. She re-married in 1947, and she and her husband, James Rasmussen, lived in Japan, Turkey, and Bangladesh during the 1950s-60s. Iris worked with university students in Japan and Turkey, many of whom became life-long friends and leaders in their professions. She worked with Tibetan refugee children during the exodus from Tibet and maintained contact and lent a helping hand throughout her life to her Tibetan friends in India. Iris and Jim returned to their home in Sonoma, California, in their later years. They were best friends throughout their life together until Jim's life ended in 1989. Iris continued to work and study in Sonoma for many more years, contributing to the humanitarian and spiritual life of her community. Iris always loved asking questions and searching for meanings in religions and belief systems around the world. This message was left by Iris to her husband and the family she loved so much: "Go with love. May joyful blessings speed you safely on your way. May God's light expand within you. May we be one in that light some day." Iris was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sisters Mary Elaine and Jean. She is survived by her son, Stirling Rasmussen, his wife Patti, and their four children (Jamie, Dan, Tori, and Tom) of Lincoln, Virginia. She is also survived by her brother and sisters, Judge Regnal Garff (Leslie), Mrs. Betty Jo Wirthlin (W. Meeks), Mrs. Lois Nowlin (William B.), Mrs. Glenna Joyce Hyde; and by many loving nieces and nephews. Family gatherings will be held in Leesburg, Virginia, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Sonoma, California, at dates to be announced later.