Charlene Bascom

Verna Charlene Bascom, 94, of Granville, Ohio, formerly of Kirkersville, Ohio, was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven on August 3, 2025. She had a long and fulfilling life as a wife and mother. 

Her surviving relatives are daughters Melody (Dennis) Frey and Cynthia Bascom, sister, Betty (Pat) Rose, brother-in-law, John (Lois) Bascom along with nieces and nephews. 

 In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James T. Bascom, and brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Jean Parsons.

Charlene met the love of her life and husband, James T. Bascom, when she was riding a carousel at the Hebron Street Fair. Their marriage of 71 years was exceptionally close with never more than a day spent apart until James' death in 2023. Charlene worked hard, seven days a week, alongside her husband on the family poultry farm. Upon retirement, Charlene and Jim became great travelers, first in their Airstream trailer and later touring the world with their beloved family.

Charlene is particularly remembered as a pianist and organist. She was the volunteer organist at the Kirkersville United Methodist Church for over 30 years and later played for the Outville Presbyterian Church. On the occasions she was paid, she donated the funds to charity noting that she played for the Lord, not financial gain. Being a pianist gave her a strong sense of identity and purpose, spreading musical enjoyment even in her twilight years. Other notable loves of Charlene included cooking the family Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, painting colorful watercolors, and creating handmade cards from pressed flowers. All were things that she could share with others.

Charlene's family members want to express their gratefulness for the kindness shown to Charlene by her many friends including church families in Granville, Kirkersville, and Outville, Middleton Senior Community, and Ohio Living Health & Hospice. The countless visits from friends and family members gave her much comfort and she felt loved.

A private celebration of her life is planned. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting her page on the Hoskinson Funeral Home website.