Mary Virginia Baskett

Mary Virginia Baskett born to Jay Rolph and Mary Ann (Hawkins) Wetzel on 9/4/1929 in Dallas Oregon, passed away 07/13/2019, 2 months shy of her 90th birthday.  She grew up in Vancouver, graduating from high school in 1947 and going on to college.  She attended Whitworth College in Spokane where she worked at Deaconess Hospital and graduated in 1951 with a Nursing degree.  

After college she returned to Seattle to marry her college sweetheart, Larry, her beloved husband of 55 years.  They were married at West Side Presbyterian church in West Seattle.  Always the jokester, Larry arranged for a real ambulance to pick them up after the ceremony and drive them around the block, much to Mary’s chagrin.  Guests weren’t sure what to think but everyone had a good laugh.

The coupled settled in a brick house on the corner of 46th and Seattle St. in the North Admiral area.  Mary lived at that location for almost 60 years.  As a RN, Mary worked at West Seattle General Hospital and then worked part time as a dispensary RN at Bethlehem Steel, while raising six children.  

Mary was very active and independent; living in her house until just a few years ago, giving up driving and her car last Fall, she attended cultural activities with friends and church groups, she liked going to IHOP or WS Bowl for pancakes with friends and loved to watch local sports teams like the Seahawks, and college football/basketball (UW, WSU, ORE). 

Mary was an active member of West Side Presbyterian church in West Seattle for 67 years.  She was a devoted Christian and had a passion for spreading the word of Christ.  She always carried a dozen copies of the “Daily Bread” devotional book in her purse – so she could give them away to people.  Over the span of her life she devoted much of her time volunteering at the church; she worked with elderly adults in the ‘Shut In’ program, Vacation bible School, Youth Group, she worked in the church Nursery, she worked the annual church garage sale, attended Bible study, Women’s Circle, as well as supporting various missionaries and causes throughout the world in support of God’s word.

Mary is survived by her six children, Laurie (Jim) Phillips, Steve (Debbie), Ken (Tisha), Dennis (Denise), Keith (Michelle), Lynn (Scott) Hergert, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.  Mary was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence (Larry), and brother George Wetzel.  Mary is survived by her sister Sandra Jay (Sandy) of Vancouver WA.

Private graveside services will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery.  A Memorial Service to honor Mary will be held at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle on 07/30/19.  The public is welcome (time will be added once confirmed).  

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Tuesday, July 30th at 12:30 p.m., at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, with a reception immediately following.  Pastor Ron RIce and Pastor Paul Smith will officiate the ceremony.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mary's life.  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to West Seattle Pres in Mary's name.

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