Carol Lynn Bassford, daughter of George Vernon and Reba Mary (Fallon) Bebermeyer, was born March 26, 1939 at the Joslin Hospital in Harper Kansas.  She attended school in Harper and graduated from high school with the class of 1957.  Carol then commuted to Wichita as she began work at Boeing.

Soon, Carol met James E. "Jim" Bassford and was united in marriage on April 18, 1958 at Carol's parents' home near Harper.  The couple began their life-long farming partnership and established their first home west of Anthony, Kansas.  They purchased their home northwest of Harper in 1962.  Three daughters were welcomed into their family: Debra, Amy, and Julie

Carol and Jim worked together on the farm raising sheep, cattle, wheat, alfalfa, and feed.  As a farmer's wife does, Carol helped Jim with whatever he needed, including driving a truck during harvest, running for parts, assisting during lambing season in the fall while Jim sowed wheat (which was mentioned as convenient timing for Jim), keeping books, helping with business decisions while also managing their home, preparing three meals a day, and being a mother.  Carol also assisted at the Harper Sale Barn and Bill Starks Auctioneer Service.  If time allowed, Carol and Jim enjoyed dancing and playing cards with friends.

Throughout her youth, Carol was very active in 4-H and understood the importance of the 4-H program.  Therefore, along with Jim's help assisted all three daughters with their 4-H projects and also served as leader of various projects.  She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BV, the Harper Art Association, and the Harper United Methodist Church.

Carol loved her family and did tend to worry as mothers often do.  She enjoyed talking to family and friends and kept her phone line busy.

After Carol's health declined, she moved to Kiowa Hospital District Manor in Kiowa, Kansas.  She was a resident there for just over two years.  Carol made many friends at the Manor and enjoyed taking part in the activities there.  On March 3, 2024, at the age of 84 and after an extended illness, Carol passed away at the Kiowa District Hospital with family by her side.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Reba Bebermeyer; husband of 54 years, Jim Bassford; grandson, Cole Augustyn; and sister, Margaret Graves.  She is survived by her daughters: Debra Augustyn of Harper, Amy Duncan of Westmoreland, Kansas; and Julie Blunk (Rod) of Hardtner, Kansas; grandchildren: Will Augustyn, Cody Duncan, Chloe Blunk, and Cort Blunk; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating.  A private family burial will take place at Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony.

Memorials may be made to the Harper United Methodist Church and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas 67058