Reita 'Ann' Simmers Basgall
Ann, after 77 beautiful years of life, went home to the arms of Jesus on June 3, 2019 and we know she's singing praises to Him right now!
Born in Independence, MO, Ann went to Central High School. She grew up in a musical family with singing and music always in their home. She and her sister, Becky, would sing and harmonize as their dad played the piano. Ann and Becky were very close her entire life. She married Larry Basgall in 1964 and built their life together in Shawnee, Kansas, where they lived for over 50 years. So many times Ann shared what a wonderful man Larry is, saying how much of a blessing he was to her and their family.
Ann loved to bowl and was on a league for 15+ years. She was one of the original founders of the neighborhood bunco group, and she also volunteered at Full Faith/Crosspoints church for years…all of which she loved, especially spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed watching birds in their yard, taking care of flowers in her garden and caring for the kitties they had over the years. She had a very silly, playful side and she loved singing silly songs to her kids.
No matter what, unconditionally, she loved her family, church family and friends, but she also had a heart for all people in need – especially kids. She managed Project Angel Tree at her church for 14 years, where her compassion and love were very much expressed to children and family members impacted by incarceration.
Ann went through cancer twice and when her daughter asked why that had to happen to her, her response was “Why not me?” She used her cancer journey to connect with and love others who were going through it as well, and she shared she wouldn't have ever wanted to change that. Her love for her family was also shown through her very regular visits with her beloved Aunt Bebe, who also had Alzheimer’s. Loving others and taking care of her family was never a duty for Ann, it was who she was.
Ann was an absolute prayer warrior. She prayed for others continually, especially her family, but most of all she loved Jesus. He was her source of strength, her Lord, her King, her Comforter, her Joy, her Savior and her Song, and if anything, she'd want everyone to know that Jesus loves you, unconditionally, no matter what!!
She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Larry Basgall, son David Basgall, daughter Kathy Bennett, sister Becky Hanna, two grandchildren - Nicholas and Meagan, great grandchildren and many beloved cousins, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Charles A and Eleanor Simmers, and brother-in-law, Tim Hanna.
Services are Friday, June 7th, 2019:
10:00am Graveside Service - Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens, Shawnee, KS.
11:30am Visitation – Cross Points Church, Shawnee, KS
12:30pm Memorial Service – Cross Points Church, Shawnee, KS.
Flowers to pay tribute to Ann and her family may be sent to Cross Points Church at 6824 Lackman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66217.