Sharol A. Bassett

It is with great sadness that we announce our beloved Sharol Ann Bassett passed on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, surrounded by family. She fought a long courageous battle of health issues. 

Sharol was born on December 26, 1947 to Elmer and Florence Miller in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The family moved to the Appleton area in 1948. She attended Franklin Elementary, Roosevelt Jr. High, and graduated from Appleton Senior High School in 1966. She then went on to graduate from the Accredited College of Cosmetology in Milwaukee and was a hairdresser for more than 40 years. All those who came to know and love her called her “Sherry.” 

She married Daniel Abitz and had her beautiful children, Jeff and Kelly. Later she found her high school sweetheart again, Jim Bassett. They were married December 27, 1985. 

Growing up in the Erb Park neighborhood, Sherry cherished her childhood memories of swimming at the Erb Park Pool, taking dance lessons, and riding her bike around town. A true social butterfly, she strove to be a good friend to everyone she met. Her love of music was unmatched- she collected many records and albums with Elvis being a favorite. She even had a radio in her shower to continue the music so she could sing along. She had a knack remembering lyrics, songs and their artists. During high school, Sherry was a proud and active student, participating in choir, German Club, working backstage for the theater productions, and being a member of the Usher Club, where she saw Donny Osmond, the first of many of celebrities she would meet. She attended every football and basketball game she could. It was at the Terrors’ Den, while socializing, that Sherry met Jim during a game of ping pong. She was also involved in Job’s Daughters International. 

Sherry’s infectious, bubbly personality, led her to meet many singers, including memorable moments when she went up on stage and sang with Kenny Rogers and received a scarf from Elvis. Sherry and Jim spent quite a bit of time with Wayne Newton. Always the life of the party, Sherry was a bright light and her happy smile and laughter were contagious. She was known for her love of sparkly outfits, jewelry and always having her makeup done and hairstyle big. 

Sherry had a talent for bowling, had a mean right arm, and enjoyed playing on several leagues. She enjoyed playing softball, first as a catcher then as an outfielder. Some of her favorite things to do were shopping, dancing and going out to dinner. Traveling was a great joy for her especially cruises and trips to Las Vegas, where she loved playing the slots and attending shows. Sherry was a fun grandma and very active in her grandsons’ lives. She often picked them up from school, stopping for ice cream at Dairy Queen. She was very proud and loved cheering them on at their sporting events. 

Her love for animals started early, beginning with her pet chicken, George, whom she even walked on a leash. Over the years, she had many cherished dogs that filled her life with joy, including Chipper, Echo, Samantha Ann, Tiffany, and Hickory Nut. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Florence Miller; her in-laws, Charlie and Germaine Bassett; her infant twin sister, JoAnn; her sister-in-law, Beverly Miller; her special cousins, Mary Maas and Daniel (Susan) Miller. 

She is survived by her loving husband, James Bassett; her daughter, Kelly (boyfriend, Brad) Camber; son, Jeff (girlfriend, Christine) Abitz; grandsons, Zachariah (fiancée, Paige) Abitz, Ryan Camber and Sean Camber; brother, James (partner, Scotta McFarland) Miller; nephew, Scott (Anna) Miller; niece, Susan (Jeff) Shih; brother-in-law, William (Sue) Bassett; nieces, Kimberly Bassett and Tamara Bassett; cousin-in-law, Dave Maas and many others; her life-long best friend, Linda Arter and precious dog, Dolly Jolene. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate health care workers at: Brewster Village, Appleton; Aspire, Kimberly; Aurora, Oshkosh; Edenbrook, Oshkosh; Aurora Home Care; Theda Care at Home; Rennes, Appleton and Theda Care, Neenah, for all their devoted care for Sherry. 

There will be a private family memorial service with a Celebration of Life later on May 4, 2025 at Pullman’s, 619 South Olde Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54915 from 1-4 pm. Please RSVP to sherryspartyrsvp@gmail.com with name and attendees by April 13, 2025. 

In honor of Sherry’s love for animals, please consider a donation in her name to one of the local Humane Associations: Fox Valley Humane Association in Appleton; East Shore Humane Association in Chilton; Neenah Animal Shelter or Oshkosh Area Humane Society.