Mary Basham

Mary Ellen Basham, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 31, 2010. She was born in Phoenix, Arizona on May 5, 1918 to Annie Davis Johnson of Wickenburg and John Johnson of Congress, Arizona. Growing up in Wickenburg, at 6 years of age, she and her brother Chester were adopted by her grandparents, Annie E. and Alva Davis of Wickenburg, living with them until their untimely deaths in 1934. She then lived with their mother and step-father, J.T.(Huy) Gobble in Wickenburg. Mary Ellen married Curtis J. Basham of Onalaska, Texas on May 8, 1937. Together they moved to Morenci, Arizona in early 1942 where they raised their four children: Louella, Roberta, John and Gary. In 1960 they moved to Peru, South America, residing there until late 1966 when they moved to Silver City, New Mexico. After the passing of Curtis in 1984 she moved to Safford, Arizona where she worked for the First Southern Baptist Church in Thatcher as their secretary. In June of 1992 she moved back home to Wickenburg to be close to her mother, brother and sister, as well as her aunts, uncles, and family. She was an active member of the First Southern Baptist Church of Wickenburg for the remainder of her years. Mary Ellen was devoted to her family, friends and church. She loved children and looked forward to leading her weekly Sunday School classes. Her hobbies included anything relating to arts and crafts. She was a painter in several mediums from acrylics, pastels and watercolors. Her beautiful artwork was acknowledged when she was selected as Artist of the Month by the Silver City Arts Council. Mary Ellen also created wonderful designs while working with her sewing machine, needlework, greeting cards, beadwork and other craft areas. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Curtis, grandson Ross Mullen, son Johnny, parents, brothers Chester Davis and Oliver P. Morton, sister Margaret Gobble Parish and all her adopted family. Mary is survived by daughters Louella Marie Sterle (John) of Silver City, New Mexico, Roberta "Bobbie" Burns (Benny) of Goodyear, AZ, son Gary Basham (Wanda) of Livingston, Texas, sister Tommie Ann Gobble McFarland of Wickenburg, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 6th from 1:00 PM until service time with Graveside services at 2:00 PM at the Wickenburg Municipal Cemetery. The family has suggested any memorial contributions can be made in Mary Ellen's memory to Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014.