Margaret Emma Amos

Margaret Emma Rasmussen Amos passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, at 12:30 a.m. at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, California after a long and courageous fight with cancer. She was 86 years old, just weeks shy of her 87th birthday.

Margaret was born on April 20, 1939 in Fresno, California to Hans and Frances Rasmussen. She spent most of her life in the Capitola and the Santa Cruz area, a place she deeply loved. She was a steady and a familiar presence in her community, even keeping the same phone number and zip code for over 50 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons Clyde and Keith, and predeceased by her son Ricky. She leaves behind her grandchildren Mollie, Emma H., Emma R., Mitchell, Kevin, Abe, Derek, and 7 great grandchildren as well as her cousin Vickie, her nephews Jamie and Jay, her beloved best friend Carmen, who was like a sister to her, and Monique, Carmen’s daughter, whom she loved like her own. She is also survived by her two cherished dogs Maui and Cinnamon.

Margaret dedicated her life to caring for others. She began her career as a nursing aide in Capitola, CA, where she discovered her calling in supporting the elderly with dignity and compassion. She later went on to own and operate her own care home, Crest Haven, where she created a space filled with kindness, comfort, and respect. To Margaret, care was never just a job, it was who she was. She believed deeply in making people feel seen, valued, and loved. Often it was through simple acts like sharing a warm meal or offering steady companionship.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 51 years. Margaret found God in the 1970’s and remained unwavering in her belief. Her love for the Lord guided her actions, her relationships, and her outlook on life. She leaves behind a legacy of faith that continues to inspire those who knew her.

Margaret found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. She loved visiting Gayle’s Bakery for her favorite snacks and salads. She made the best chocolate cake, she loved listening to Christian and country music, Elvis, and spending time in her home and backyard, where so many memories were made with family and friends. She had a love for horses and everything country.

More than anything, Margaret made people feel cared for. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, faith, and compassion that will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

We find comfort in knowing she is now at rest, and the next time she opens her eyes, she will be with Jesus and going home.

A memorial service will be held and live-streamed at the Santa Cruz Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 1024 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz, CA on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 4 p.m., light refreshments will follow in the fellowship hall. Please think of a thought or memory you would like to share at the memorial.