Bonnie Kalene Bassett

The Detroit Tigers lost one of their biggest fans when Bonnie Kalene Bassett, age 84, passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2025 due to complications from a recent fall. Bonnie struggled to make a late inning comeback but knew that it was time to pull herself out of the game. She touched all the bases and slid safely into home with her three children by her side, and her canine teammate Sparky Harwell waiting at the plate.

Bonnie was born in Toledo, OH on October 19, 1940 to William & Marie (Gust) Munroe, graduated from Whitehall High School and married Robert Bassett on September 5, 1958. After her children were born she returned to Grand Valley State College where she earned her bachelors and masters degree in teaching. She had been employed at St. Mary's Catholic School and then as a 6th grade teacher for Reeths Puffer Schools for 33 years. She was a dedicated teacher and a loving devoted friend, mother, grand and great grandmother. She poured her heart into her career and made emotional connections with each and every student. "Your mom was my favorite teacher", became the phrase that her family was accustomed to hearing while growing up, and still hear it to this day.

No sacrifice was ever too great for her own family, so her children couldn't have had a better role model.

Those who knew her will remember her as "the lady with the crazy sense of humor".....often in life's toughest situations. They will remember a die-hard Tigers fan, even in the darkest days. She was a speed demon on a snowmobile, and a book worm too. Her atomic finger jello was legendary! She was the mom who attended every sporting or school event for her kids and grandkids. She was that emotional teacher who cried with her students and had a hug for everyone who needed one. She was the ring leader of weekly tubing trips every summer. She loved horseback riding and had a fascination with Native American History. Every student who went through the Reeths Puffer 6th grade camp program made a dream catcher in her class (and many still have it), but most importantly, they went home with a greater appreciation for native cultures. She also spent many years as an aqua exercise instructor at the YFCA, and volunteered at the Frauenthal theater. She was often known to be a lead-foot driver, spinning donuts and drifting her full size conversion van in the snow just for fun.

Her zest for life, endless compassion, and sense of humor made her a role model for all things decent, and she still was teaching how to live, laugh and love, until her final breath.

And though she could no longer see the games she faithfully listened to the Tigers, even in her final days. She will be dearly missed by family and friends but her teachings will forever live within us.

In the World Series of life, Bonnie Bassett hit a game winning Grand Slam.

SURVIVORS

Children, Mike (Gina) Bassett of Ohio, Michele (Bill) Groethe of Trout Lake, Steve (Marianne) Bassett of Muskegon; grandchildren, Jessica (Owen) Chase, Jarrett Bassett, Cole Bassett; great-grandchildren, Marina & Brennan, as well as brother, Bill Munroe, and pets Cookie & Sparky Harwell. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2024 and a brother Ronald Munroe.

Special mention also needs to be made of Bonnie's fabulous "care crew". They were thoughtful, loving, compassionate, entertaining, and genuinely made Bonnie's life better every day.

Bonnie supported many charities such as food banks, women's shelters, pet rescue and adoption agencies, etc. True to her character, rather than material gestures of her remembrance, Bonnie would rather have a charitable donation made in her name to help someone in need.

Please join friends and family in celebrating the life of Bonnie Bassett.

Detroit Tigers gear is always in style, and please bring your best Bonnie stories to share.

Saturday, August 2nd from 3:00-6:00 PM at the Don Rae Post VFW, 1061 Witham Rd. , North Muskegon.

Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.