Mary Pauline (Tyson) Basel passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, February 7, 2026. She was born on October 8, 1930, in Wayne, Ohio, to Charles & Lillian (Clemmons) Tyson, and graduated Salutatorian of the Montgomery Township School (Wayne, Ohio) class of 1948. She married Charles R. Basel on January 29, 1950, and farmed and raised their family in Bradner, Ohio.
Mary was a believer in Christ and a member of Grace of God Lutheran Church in Columbus. Formerly a member of St. James Lutheran Church in Bradner. She was very active in church ministries as a Women’s Circle Bible Teacher, a VBS Coordinator, and in Youth Ministries. Later, she volunteered at Fostoria Community Hospital and St. Wendelin Catholic School.
Although Mary didn’t get the opportunity to pursue a college education, she never ceased learning. She loved to read. She was instrumental in seeing that her children and grandchildren had the opportunities for higher education.
Mary loved playing the piano and organ. She enjoyed her small garden area in front of her condo. She also loved working on jigsaw puzzles until her eyes faltered. She was an avid card player (Hand & Foot, Golf, and was quite ruthless at Pinochle) and enjoyed watching Saturday OSU football games with her family. She also had a love for animated musical plush toys.
She enjoyed traveling. She visited Alaska twice, sailed the Panama Canal, visited many European countries, Egypt, and Israel. A highlight was treating her family to a Caribbean cruise.
After moving to Galloway, she joined a Red Hats group and a couple of card clubs. She was never lacking for companionship and friendship.
Survived by:
Children: David (Christine) Basel, Mary Jane (Andris) Jolibois, and Robert (Karen) Basel. Grandchildren: Jenny (Rory) Peterson, Megan Basel, Paul Basel, Melissa (Ian) Delahunty, Peter Basel, John Basel, and Stephen Basel. Great grandchildren: Andrew, Ethan, Eliana, Levi, Lillian, Caden, & soon to be Harper. Many friends and extended family members, including her “adopted” children.
Predeceased by husband Charles, son Richard (Margaret), brother John Tyson, and sisters Vondale Sherman, Fern Whitacre, and Cecile Whitacre.
What a bitter yet sweet moment this is. If ever there was someone who’d be loved and missed tremendously, it would be Mary. If ever there was someone who’d impacted the lives of thousands throughout her lifetime, it would be Mary. If ever someone could create a void in her passing, it would be Mary.
But if ever there was someone who was ready to see Jesus, it was Mary. If ever there was someone who longed to meet her Savior face to face, it was Mary. If ever there was someone who looked forward to this day with such anticipation and joy, it was Mary.
While our hearts hurt as we now miss this wonderful servant from our midst, we also are filled with so much joy for her as she now embarks on an eternity of worship and praise of Jesus.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 13, from 10 am to 12 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio 43123. A celebration of life follows at noon. Pastor Bill McKee of Grace of God Lutheran Church will officiate. A private burial is planned at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Living Hope Ministries in Haiti, Inc. P.O. Box 3578 Dublin, Ohio 43016-0290, or the charity of your choice.
The family wishes to thank Ohio Health Hospice Compassus for their caring services during Mary’s last days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3393 Broadway, Grove City, OH 43123
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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