Alice Bassett

Alice Katherine Bassett passed away August 4th, 2016 in Kirksville Manor Care in Kirksville, MO.

Katherine was born October 11, 1931 to Richard Roland Eby and Ella Beatrice (Wilson) Eby in Moulton, Iowa. She was united in marriage to Austin Wayne Bassett on February 12, 1950.

Katherine is survived by her husband Wayne; and two daughters, Pamela Brand (Dr. Ronald) of Kirksville, MO and Terri Bassett (Frank Hein) of Ventura, CA. Also surviving are one sister, Suela Lotridge (Gary) of South Bend, IN; one nephew, Rev Todd Lotridge (Ann Marie) of South Bend, IN and one niece, Cynthia Johnston (Robert) of Lowell, MI.

Katherine and her husband Wayne owned and ran the family newspaper The Moulton Tribune in Moulton, IA from1961 to 1977 as the third generation of her family to do so. She did it all - from linotype operator to columnist and editor. This operation gave rise to a photography business - Bassett Photo where she and Wayne specialized in wedding photography. She recently remarked that this was her favorite job. She loved being part of all those happy beginnings.

While living in Moulton, Katherine was instrumental in building the Garrett Memorial Library serving on the board of trustees, including three years as chairman, during the library’s construction and early years of operation. She was a member of Chapter F P.E.O, the Order of Eastern Star and the Moulton Methodist Church where she was often found playing the organ.

In 1977 the Tribune was sold, but Katherine continued to work as editor and columnist for the new owners until 1985. During this time Bassett Photo thrived, however when Wayne sustained serious injuries in a plane crash, Katherine kept the business going on her own with a little help from her daughter, Pam. In 1985 Wayne and Katherine started a new adventure. After living briefly in Dayton, OH, the couple made their home in Warner-Robins, GA where they were both civilian employees of the U.S. Air Force at Robins Air Force Base until their retirement in 2006.

Katherine was an accomplished seamstress, who took great delight in creating beautiful dresses for Barbie dolls which she then donated to charity at Christmas time. She loved books and was an avid Harry Potter fan. A friend in Georgia says, “Katherine was an overcomer.” When life threw daunting challenges into her path, Katherine Bassett rose up to meet them. Her strength and love will be missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched.

A small graveside service is planned for family and friends in Moulton, IA on Saturday, August 13, 2016.

Memorials are suggested to the hearinghealthfoundation.org.