Laura Elizabeth Rasmussen (Pellar), 71, of Toledo, Ohio passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 with her daughter, Melisa by her side.

Laura was born November 20, 1953 in Detroit, Michigan to the late George and Lydia Pellar (Suvada).

Laura earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Eastern Michigan University while raising three children. Laura created her family with her first husband, Richard Sands and moved on to watch it grow with grandchildren and great grandchildren. Watching her family and her many nieces and nephews' accomplishments as well as rejoicing in the love of her siblings and the companionship of her husbands, partners, and friendships, finding peace in nature and the comfort of her faith all carried her through her years.

Laura loved her work with disabled adults and the elderly before she changed careers and became a corporate trainer and security guard. Laura was especially proud to protect banks and the docks in Toledo as she put on her uniform and strapped on her side arm. She always said as she worked, she wanted her smile to be contagious because she never knew when someone needed a smile or was having a worse day than her.

Laura's kindness and generous nature extended to her community as she knew what it felt like to be in need and often gave when she had none.

Laura spoke proudly of her children and family. She enjoyed mischief and improv theater and making people laugh.

Family, faith, nature, literature, and community were cornerstones in Laura's life. Laura found beauty in small acts of kindness and joy in her children's lives. Laura was cared for by many in her life and in recent years and weeks to help ease her way to her next journey.

Laura is proceeded in death by her husband, Keith Rasmussen, parents, George and Lydia Pellar (Suvada), stepfather Ed O'Dell, brother, George Goetz, brother-in-law, Larry Rice, sisters; Anita Peller, Madeline Walters, (Pellar, Buhholz), granddaughter, Stephanie Brown, and daughter-in-law, Mary Sands (Cadel).

Laura is survived by her children, Don and Melisa Brown (Sands), Jason Sands, Keith and Maria Arp (Sands), numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, stepchildren as well as honorary children who called her mom and her loving siblings Pauline Rice (Pellar), Roger and Selena Pellar (Miller), Phillip and Christine Pellar, (Gunther), David and AnnMarie Pellar (Wingle), beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will hold a celebration of life, June 21, 2026 to honor Laura. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made in Laura's name to your local food bank or to The Friendly Center of Toledo 1324 N Superior St, Toledo, OH 43604

Family has chosen private family cremation entrusted to Howe-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 22546 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, Mi. 48124, 313-561-1500