Kathleen Elizabeth Bassett-Smith

Kathleen Elizabeth Bassett-Smith, 94, of Benton Harbor, went to be with her Lord, Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at her home. She was born in Baroda on June 17, 1919, the daughter of the late Perry Clifford and Elma (Fogle) Neidlinger. She graduated Valedictorian from Baroda High School in 1938. After high school, she married John “Jay” Bassett who preceded her in 1976. Together they raised three boys, Jim (deceased), Duane (deceased), and Clifford (Sandra) Bassett of Naperville, Illinois. Kathleen loved to travel on family vacations. After Jay passed away she continued to travel and visited many places in the United States and overseas. Then she fell in love for the second time and married Garland “Gil” Smith on September 20, 2000. They enjoyed summer camping vacations up north with relatives, George and Velma Mahler. Kathleen worked at Woolworth’s Department Store in Benton Harbor for many years. After Woolworth’s closed she enjoyed helping Falak Farms pack their delicious strawberries and stayed with her late sister, Juanita (Ken) Teske, in Baroda during berry season. Kathleen was an avid reader enjoying historical fiction and other novels. She was proficient in sewing and crochet making crocheted slippers, dishcloths, afghans, and kitchen towels for many relatives and friends. She enjoyed selling these items at craft shows with her sister-in-law, Judy (Oscar) Smith. Kathleen was also a wonderful cook and major contributor to many festive holiday family dinners. She was an active member of the United Methodist Church in St. Joseph. Kathleen enjoyed bible study and helping with funeral receptions at the church. She was fortunate to have many wonderful lifelong friends and neighbors. Kathleen is survived by her husband, Garland Smith; son, Clifford (Sandra) Bassett; four brothers-in-law, Oscar (Judy) Smith, Hervey (Melinda) Smith, Edward Smith, and Ken Teske; two grandsons, Damon (Martha) Bassett and Eric (Teal) Bassett; one granddaughter, Jamie Bassett; three great grandchildren; six nieces; two nephews; three stepsons, Richard (Leanne Ballard) Smith, Ronald Smith and Mark (Beverly) Smith; one stepdaughter, Beverly (Jeff) Charleston; twelve step grandchildren; twenty-nine step great grandchildren; and one step great-great grandchild. Preceding her in death were her parents; two sons, Duane Bassett and Jim Bassett; daughter, Elma Regina Bassett; sister, Juanita (Ken) Teske; brother and sister-in-law, Galen (Eleanor) Neidlinger; brother and sister-in-law Ravelo (Neva) Neidlinger; and sister, Marvel Miller. Special thanks to Richard Smith and Leanne Ballard for providing care and support during her Hospice at Home care. The many family members and friends that she leaves behind will miss her; especially her loving husband, Gil. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, September 3, 2013, at 1:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services in St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery in Berrien Springs. Visitation will be held Monday, September 2, 2013 from 3:00 until 5:00 PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Kathleen’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.