Linda BASNETT Obituary

"Let all that you do be done in love." -- 1 Corinthians 16:14

There are over a million words in the English language, but there is not a single word that could adequately describe Linda.

Loving, kind, ornery, partner in crime, fun, affectionate, doting, maybe even a little indulgent and … BELOVED

All of these come to mind when we remember Linda, but even together these words don't capture the impact she had on our lives.

Linda was born to Homer and Edith Basnett on Aug 12, 1951. She joined her 4 brothers and 3 sisters with the declaration from Helen: "We have a sister!"

With her daddy holding her in his arms, she began attending church at the Park Manor Church of God. At Taylor Avenue, which became Highland Park Church of God, she was part of the Taylorettes youth group and enjoyed reuniting with those friends through the years. Later years saw her attending church with her brother, Wayne, at Bennett Springs Church of God. When her health failed she enjoyed attending Westside Church of God with her friends.

Linda's service extended internationally when she attended church work camps in Ecuador and Venezuela. Luckily, she made it through her first night when she begged her sister Barbara to please take her home. After that first night she helped with Bible Schools for the local children and enjoyed giving them treats (of course giving them more than she was supposed to give!)

After graduating from Lebanon High School in 1969, Linda began her career by working at the Lebanon Daily Record newspaper.

She later moved to Medley's Pharmacy which became Family Pharmacy. She spent 30 years there where she greeted everyone with a welcoming smile.

She enjoyed retirement for a couple of years before the call to serve again needed to be answered. She became the manager at the Highland Park Angel Keepers Daycare. Linda described working at the daycare as her most fulfilling job. Oh how she loved those kids! Her phone was filled with pictures of the children. And she kept in touch with many of them as evidenced by the pictures of the kids as they aged to adulthood.

Her house on Drury Lane was a must-see destination at Halloween. With her partner in crime (nephew-in-law Jim) they loved staging a party for the neighborhood children. While Jim scared them, all the while laughing, Linda loaded them up with sugar by handing out hundreds of treat bags.

Linda found love with her fiancé, Rufus Morse. They shared a love of country music and enjoyed attending music festivals in Nashville. A highlight included meeting Boxcar Willie at 3 a.m. one morning! (Don't tell Grandma B!) Unfortunately, their earthly love story ended with Rufus' untimely passing; however, it continues now that they have been reunited in heaven.

Linda's fingers were covered in jewelry and her home was filled with cobalt blue dishes; however, the real light of her life was her nieces and nephews. Oh the stories they can tell! Sneaking forbidden treats, giving sneak peeks at Christmas presents, special trips in her cool cars, late night movies (again don't tell Grandma B!), the list of delights are endless. We had so many wonderful times with Aunt Linda that we will cherish forever.

Linda is survived by two sisters, Shirlee Roberts of Lebanon, MO and Barbara Smith and her husband, Bland of Springfield, MO; one brother, Marvin Basnett and his wife Brenda of Lebanon, MO; brother-in-law, Jim "Dick" Cochrane; sisters-in-law, Willa Mae Basnett and Janice Basnett, both of Lebanon, MO; sixteen nieces and nephews, Mike Cochrane and his partner Rachael of Aldrich, MO, Steve Cochrane and his wife Carla of Palmer, TX, Cindy Todd and her husband, Keith of Grovespring, MO, Wendy Woitalla and her husband, Mark of Northfield, MN, Jimmie Basnett and his wife Christina of Lebanon, MO, Debbie Johnson and her husband, Bill of Springfield, MO, Stephanie Embry and her husband, Doyle of Lebanon, MO, Carla Daniel and her husband, Jim of Stoutland, MO, John Roberts and his wife Joan of Lebanon, MO, Shellee Bertram and her husband, David of Lebanon, MO, Kim Gaines and her husband, Perry of Lebanon, MO, Kristin Basnett and partner Mary Imo of St. Louis, MO, Nancy Shaeffer and her husband, Chris of Lee's Summitt, MO, Roger Smith and his wife Jennifer of Dublin, CA, Jeff Basnett of Springfield, MO and Jennifer Moore and her husband, Ramsey of Lebanon, MO; several great-nieces and great-nephews; other relatives and countless friends.

Those preceding Linda in death include her parents; her fiancée, Rufus Morse; three brothers, Bobby Ray Basnett, Eddie Basnett and Wayne Basnett; one sister, Helen Cochrane; one brother-in-law, Charles Roberts; one great-niece Megan Cochrane; and one great-nephew, Housten England.

While sorrow fills our hearts today, we know that Linda is with family, completely healed and enjoying her Heavenly Home. She has left us a tremendous gift -- a lifetime of loving memories, which will continue to bring a smile, a laugh and sometimes a tear for the rest of our lives -- and we couldn't be more grateful.

Memorials have been suggested to Claws & Paws Animal Adoption Center, Gideons International or the Kidney Foundation.

Donations may be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, P.O. Box 948 or 1001 N. Lynn, Lebanon, MO 65536

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