Deanna Bassett

Deanna Bassett was born on March 20, 1949 to Robert and Nellie (Fisher) Bassett in Omaha, Nebraska. She grew up in Spalding, Nebraska and graduated from Spalding High School in 1967. Shortly after graduation, Deanna began working at Cornhuskers Ammunition in Grand Island during the time of the Vietnam War. She later worked in car sales in Albion. Finally, Deanna settled in Ashland where she worked at Fruehauf Trailor as a machinist, then for the State of Nebraska as a laborer, and finally for the City of Ashland doing town maintenance. Throughout her life, Deanna always valued hard work. In Spalding, Deanna met the love of her life, Sandy Kershaw, who was Deanna’s partner for over 40 years before her passing in 2014. Deanna’s family was very important to her, and she always showed the love she had for Sandy, her siblings, and her many nieces and nephews. Deanna was also a good friend. She never forgot anyone she met and would do anything for anyone. People loved her witty and charming personality as well as her honesty. Deanna was also a dog lover and had many dogs throughout her life, all of which were special to her. Woodworking was a talent that Deanna had; she could make anything out of wood. She was also a skilled machinist and did all of her own mechanical work. In her free time, she loved camping, fishing, and traveling. Deanna and Sandy traveled all over together, but they especially loved going to Canada and Oregon. Deanna was proud of the house she and Sandy built together in Ashland. After working in car sales, the salesperson’s personality never really left Deanna, and she was wheeling and dealing until the end. She could always negotiate the best deals and prices and knew who to talk to in order to get the best deal. Those who knew Deanna knew she had a nickname for everyone. Deanna had a Mustang she enjoyed driving, and she also liked to drive her golf cart around her acreage. Deanna liked to cheer for the Huskers and also enjoyed watching and listening to sporting events for her family members. The Judds and country music were her favorites. Deanna was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Nellie Bassett; her lifelong partner, Sandy Kershaw; brother, Bobby Bassett; and nieces: Cindy, Mary, Marie, and Melonie. She is survived by her sister, Kathy (Mike) Langan; sister-in-law, Kay Scala, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; her extended Kershaw family; and good friend, Nicki Bundy as well as many other friends. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Deanna Bassett

March 20, 1949 - February 3, 2025