NEWHALL: Kathryn L Bascom, 89, died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at her home in Newhall following a long illness.

     Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall with Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Interment will be held St. John Cemetery, rural Newhall.  Friends may call from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, Wednesday at the Phillips Family Center 605 2nd Avenue in Vinton.  

     Kathryn was born on July 29, 1919, in Garrison, daughter of William and Ella (Selk) Halway.

She married Donald Bascom at Zion Lutheran church in Dysart, Iowa. She was employed by the canning factory in Garrison and the telephone company in Dysart.   Kathryn and Don owned and operated Bascom Produce and Feed in Newhall until their retirement in 1982. She was a member of St John Lutheran Church, Newhall and a 63 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. 

     Kathryn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and special “mom” and “grandma” to many.  She especially loved “Kota” her four legged friend. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

     Survivors include two daughters, Donna and Karla Bascom, Newhall; one son, Jim  (Janie) Bascom of Florida; son in law, Lee Rathje of Hiawatha, five grand children, Rick (Rebel) Rathje of Marion, Randy (Kim) of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Renee (Dan) Ellsworth of Cedar Rapids, Bradley (Rachel) Bascom of Grand Island, Florida, Jamie Bascom and friend Wayne of Tavares, Florida and seven great grandchildren, Angelica Rathje and special friend Denny Vorba, Chelsea and Tanner Rathje, Ross and Carlee Ellsworth, Jacob and Katie Bascom; two sisters in law, Maxine Wise, Sun City, Arizona, Dorothy (Gerald) Carpenter, Ramona, CA, two brothers in law, Chester “Buzz” (Karen) Bascom, Blue Eye, MO, Vernon (Sandy) Bascom, Vinton and  many nieces, nephews and cousins.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald in 1992 and daughter JoAnn Rathje in 2008. 

     The family would like to give a special “thank you” to Leona Phelps for her loving care and compassion. Also, to the staff of Mercy Hospice for the wonderful care given to our mother.  Most important is the love and caring Donna and Karla gave our mother allowing her to stay at home up to the final days.