Hazel Basinger

Hazel Marie Basinger, daughter of Ola Alexander Connor and James Connor, was born November 25, 1909 in Lane County Kansas. She passed away Wednesday, August 29, 2007 in Canyon City at the age of 97 years, 9 months and 4 days. After childhood on a farm near Utica, Kansas, Hazel graduated from high school in Utica and then married Lawrence Basinger on December 27, 1928. To this union was born one son, Virgil Lee Basinger. The young family then moved to a farm south of Stratton on April 15, 1940. They farmed there until 1960 when Lawrence retired and he and Hazel moved into the town of Burlington. Hazel became involved in Burlington in many activities including bowling leagues, their church which at that time was the Burlington Gospel Chapel, and later working for the Colorado Tourism board, primarily at the Colorado Welcome Center. Mrs. Basinger also worked for many years at W.B. Drug in Burlington. Even after the loss of her husband Lawrence in March of 1981, Hazel was able to stay in her own home until May of 2006 when she moved to The Legacy in Burlington. Finally in July of 2007 Hazel moved to the Progressive Care Center in Canyon City to be near her son and was there until her death. Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her daughter-in-law, Shirley Basinger, her parents Ola and James Connor, four brothers Jess, Francis, Chester and Lester Connor and six sisters; Leora Lockard, Vera Curtis, Nellie Castor, Alta Stormont, Maxine Axtell and Velma Hayes. Survivors include her son Virgil Basinger of Canyon City. Grandchildren: Dena Basinger and Terry Kelly of York, Nebraska, Stan and Maggi Basinger of Greeley, Colorado and Scott and Donna Basinger of Temecula, California. Great-grandchildren are Amanda and Jeff Toms of Windsor, Colorado, Matthew Basinger of Denver, Alison and Joseph Gomez of Greeley and Jency and Jamie Basinger of Temeculah, California. Great-great grandchildren include Sutton, Pearson, Peter and Cyrus Toms of Windsor and Ava Gomez of Greeley. Many nieces and nephews and dear friends of many years also survive Mrs. Basinger. Funeral services for Mrs. Basinger were held at the Love Funeral Home in Burlington on September 4th , 2007 at 1:30p.m. with Pastor Ray Wagoner officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Casketbearers were her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Interment was at Fairview Cemetery. Memorials have been established and directed to The Legacy and to Kit Carson Memorial Hospital both in Burlington. Donations can be sent to the Bank of the West in Hazel Basinger’s name.