Mary “Marie” Basso

Mary “Marie” Basso, of Sherman, passed away on Thursday, November 16, 2023.

She was born on July 21, 1938, in LaHarpe, IL, the daughter of Arlie and Helen Owsley.

Mourning her passing are her daughters, Marilyn (Wayne) Yager and Dawn (John) Hardy; grandchildren, Amber, Denise, Robert, Katie, and Patrick; Several great and great-great grandchildren; Siblings, Violet, Sharon, James, Bernard, Craig and Max; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald “Bud” Basso, a son, John Hobart Basso; a daughter, Laura Hobart; a sister, Arline Lovell, and a brother, Donald “Hoppy” Owsley.

Marie worked as a physical therapy assistant, retiring from Springfield Clinic after 27 years.

She was a member of United Methodist Church in Athens where she was part of the Women of Missions. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and played an instrumental role in the formation of the Veterans Memorial in Athens.

She volunteered at Cantrall Elementary in the pre-k and kindergarten class where she was known as “Grandma Marie” to all the kids. She also volunteered at the Athens Food Pantry, and Villa East and West Healthcare.

Marie loved to travel, quilt, sew, and do crossword puzzles. She enjoyed her ladies card night and was known for her desserts and flavored jello. Most of all she treasured her time with family, especially her grandchildren.

Services will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home with visitation from 2:00 pm until the service at 4:00 pm. Rev. Cindy Rettig officiating. Cremation rites will follow with a private graveside service at LaHarpe Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made to Cantrall Elementary or the Athens Food Pantry.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.