Dorothy M. Bassemer

Dorothy Mary Willhoite Bassemer 75, Treasure Island, died suddenly May 14, 2007, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident while traveling from her home in Treasure Island, Florida to Bella Vista, Arkansas on May 8. She will be sadly missed but lovingly remembered by family and friends. Mrs. Bassemer was born June 25, 1931 in Bald Knob, Arkansas, and was one of seven children of Henry and Cora Bogard. She met and married Billy Bassemer, also of Arkansas, shortly after WWII. They resided in Little Rock, Arkansas until the early 1950's when they moved to Anderson to be close to extended family. The couple had three daughters, Becky, Judy and Rhonda, who they lovingly raised in Anderson. Bill Bassemer passed away in 1984. Mrs. Bassemer was employed at Delco Remy Division of General Motors in Anderson for 30 years before retiring in 1991 to Bella Vista, Arkansas and then to Treasure Island, Florida. She fondly remembered the friends that she made while living and working in Anderson. While residing in Treasure Island, she co-operated the Flying High Jet Ski and Parasail business and was often seen admiring a beautiful sunset or watching the dolphins play off the dock at her waterside home. Her family wrote of her, "Dorothy's kind and generous heart was an inspiration to her children and family. She loved family above all and was loved in return." She is survived by her daughters, Judy and husband, Jay James, of Pendleton, Becky and husband, Tom Pryor, of Indianapolis, and Rhonda and husband, the late Joel Pitman, of Anderson; siblings, Mildred and husband, Ralph Lee, of Elwood, Darrell and wife, Sue Bogard, of Elwood, and Helen and husband, Karl Glaze, of Bald Knob, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Nicci and husband, Bradd Burton, of Kennard, Jasen DeHority of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Laine Pitman of Anderson, and Sara Pryor and fiancee, Brendan Osean, of Morristown, New Jersey; two great-grandchildren, Braden and Chase Burton of Kennard; several nieces and nephews; special companion, Rich Barrett. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Cora (Higgs) Bogard; first husband, Billy B. Bassemer, who passed away on April 26, 1984; sisters, Dollie Long and Alma Farrish; brother, Buddy Bogard; granddaughter, Carrie James. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 18, 2007 at the Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, South Chapel. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home at 200 W. 53rd Street, Anderson, with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Anderson. Donations to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice would be gratefully acknowledged by the family. www.LooseFuneralHomes.com