Verda Jones Bassett

Verda Jones Bassett passed peacefully March 19, 2020 in North Salt Lake, Utah. She was born April 4, 1927, in San Bernardino, California to Mack and Gena Baggett.  She had two younger sisters, Lillian and Maxine. The girls were raised on their parents’ farm in Burley, Idaho, where they learned lessons of hard work and integrity.

She raised four children and worked at numerous jobs, including a medical assistant and a school secretary. She was an excellent cook and kept an immaculate house and garden. She sewed beautifully, creating clothes for her daughters and grandchildren. She loved music.  She learned to play the violin, accordion, and organ.  She was proud of her Italian heritage. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

She married Keith Petersen in 1944. They had three children: Julie Wilson, Rick Petersen (Anne), and Bob Jones (Colleen). They were later divorced. She later married O. G. Jones; they had a daughter, Jan Strannigan (Matt). They were married for 44 years and lived most of that time in Pocatello, Idaho. After his death she married Russell Bassett. They lived in Bountiful, Utah. After his passing she lived with and was cared for by her daughter Julie and granddaughter, Julianne until her death.

In addition to her four children, she has 15 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and one great great grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, sister Lillian McMurray, and two great grandchildren, Alexa and Jared McClure, children of Julianne. A family graveside service will be held in March in Pocatello, Idaho. A memorial service will be held at a later date.  A special thanks to Hearts for Hospice for their loving care and support in her last months, especially Linsey Kofford, her final hospice nurse. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Primary Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, in memory of Verda Jones Bassett.