Edith Louise Eller Basinger

Edith L. Eller Basinger

SALISBURY - Edith Louise Eller Basinger, age 90, of Salisbury, passed away Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Lutheran Home at Trinity Oaks. During her four years at Trinity Oaks, she always introduced herself as "fat and sassy".

Born Jan. 9, 1921 in Rowan County, she was the daughter of the late Lizzie Ruth Rufty and Samuel Lee Eller. She was raised by her step-mother, Loudara Lemly Eller.

Educated in the Rowan County schools, she was employed by Pauline Knitting Mills, retiring in 1984 as a supervisor.

A member of Messiah Lutheran Church, she held various offices, taught Sunday School, was a life member of Naomi Circle, WELCA, and life member of Auxiliary of Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 69 years, Haywood Basinger, who died Dec. 11, 2008; brothers, John Eagle and Richard Eller; and sisters, Pearl Leach and Inez Shepherd.

Survivors include her daughter, Dottie Basinger Eagle (Carl) of Salisbury; brothers, Floyd Eller (Frances) and Ned Eller (Martha); sister, Mary Agner (Hubert), all of Salisbury; grandchildren, Linda E. Agner (Rodney), Russ Eagle (Liz) all of Salisbury and Kathy E. Fogleman (Barry) of Liberty; great-grandchildren, Tina Eagle Smith (Peter), Sara Agner, Daniel Agner, Jake Fogleman, Emily Fogleman and Carly Fogleman.

Visitation and Service: 10-11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, at Messiah Lutheran Church, 701 E. Lafayette Street, Salisbury; and at other times the family will be at their respective homes. The service will begin at 11 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The Rev. Don Safrit will officiate. Burial will follow at Rowan Memorial Park.

Memorials: Messiah Lutheran Church, 701 E. Lafayette Street, Salisbury, NC 28144; or Rowan Helping Ministries, P.O. Box 4026, Salisbury, NC 28145.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of Trinity Oaks Assisted Living for their kindness.

Lyerly Funeral Home is serving the Basinger family. Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.