Shirley Bassett Obituary

NEWVILLE - Shirley Kay Bassett, 81, of Newville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn.

Shirley was born Feb. 14, 1944, in Albion, Michigan, the daughter of the late Walter and Pauline (Becksmith) Krontz.

She married Thomas A. Bassett on Feb. 29, 1960, in Angola, and he preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 1998. After high school, Shirley obtained an associate's degree in interior design.

For most of her career, Shirley was a homemaker, tending to the needs of her growing family. After her children were out of the house, she worked for Magnavox for a number of years.

Shirley and Thomas operated the St. Joe Valley Conservation Club for over 30 years. She helped in many ways at the club, including organizing events and making centerpieces for many of the banquets held there.

She enjoyed tending to her flowers and houseplants whenever she could. Shirley also loved to cross-stitch and was an accomplished seamstress, making her kids' clothes, costumes and dolls.

Surviving are her four children, Thomas (Tracey) Bassett Jr. of Newville, Jonathan (Tina) Bassett of Montpelier, Ohio, Dawn (Rodney) Leavitt of Auburn, and Gerald (Kelly) Bassett of Newville; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Thomas; one grandson, Chance Smith; and eight siblings.

Visitation for Shirley Kay Bassett will be held Tuesday, May 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 706 N. Main St., Hicksville, Ohio.

Funeral services for Shirley will immediately follow in the funeral home, beginning at 1 p.m. with Celebrant Patricia Peter officiating. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery, Newville.

Memorial contributions can be directed to St. Joe Valley Conservation Club, 5871 C.R. 60, P.O. Box 60, St. Joe, IN 46785.

Condolences may be sent to the family or memories may be shared at www.oberlinturnbull.com.