Lorene Evelyn Bassett, 96, of Morocco, passed away Sunday, June 25, 2017. She lived her entire life in Newton County. She was born on April 20, 1921, to Lewis and Gertrude (Beckwith) Zoborosky. In 1936, she married the love of her life, Raymond Carroll Bassett, also of Morocco. During their lifetimes, they lived and worked at the Willis Ranch in Beaver Township and managed the Moroko Theatre in the late 1940s where Lorene sold the tickets and worked the refreshment counter while Raymond operated the film projector. In 1952, they settled into the farm on old Mt. Ayr road, living, working and managing their own farm. In 1975, Lorene obtained her nurse’s aide certification and worked at George Ade Hospital in the maternity ward for several years.

Raymond passed away in 1983, and Lorene remained on the farm, spending time in her home and tending her vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed sitting in her yard visiting with family and observing the birds and wildlife activity.

Lorene became part of the Newton County Community Services Senior citizen group that met in Morocco for lunch and partook in the ever-challenging game of afternoon Bingo. During this time, she also volunteered at the Morocco Methodist Church Thrift Shop, where she and her good friend Isabelle Anderson spent many hours talking and working together.

As a cancer survivor and after several joint replacements, she was a woman of true grit. Her independent spirit coupled with her determination will always be remembered as one of her finest attributes.

Preceding her in death were her half-brothers Leonard Dawson, Berman Zoborosky, Leo Zoborosky, half-sister Opal Bridgeman and sister Betty White. Husband Raymond, son Raymond Dale Bassett, great-granddaughter Jamie Carlson, and son-in-law Devon “Skeet” Miller.

Lorene is survived by her daughters, Shirley (Devon) Miller, Nancy (Mike) Coates, and Beth Bassett; Grandchildren Kevin (Dawn) Bassett, Beverly Bassett, Carol (Scott) Carlson, David (Debbie) Miller, Karen (John) Misiora, Tom (Cindy) Montemayer, Nathan (Leslie) Montemayer, and Rhianon Montemayer; 15 Great-Grandchildren and 13 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Morocco. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 12 p.m. at Steinke Funeral Home of Morocco with Rev. Wayne Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newton County Community Services. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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