Jeffery Stringham Bassett

Jeffery Stringham Bassett died Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, at his home in Lovell.

He was born to Joe and Iris Bassett on January 25, 1961, in Lovell, the fifth child and fourth son. He would later be joined by his younger sister Jackie. Being the youngest, the two were close and have remained so. Jeff was the first boy born in Lovell in 1961, so he received a basket full of goodies.

Jeff spent the first year of his life in Kane. When he was 1 year old his family moved to Road 15 in Lovell, where his mother lives today.

Jeff was a busy boy. He spent a lot of time with Brad Tippetts. The two of them could get in more trouble than the law would allow. One night when spending the night at Brad's, the two had a shotgun. The gun went off and shot a hole in the floor. No one was hurt, but they damaged the floor. Being resourceful the boys fixed the hole. Wilford and Marilyn, Brad's parents, only found out when they moved.

Jeff grew up on the farm and enjoyed tractor work. He also learned to work cattle from his dad. He always talked about being a roper at rodeos, practicing constantly with bales of hay with horns. A lesson he learned from his dad and passed on to his sons was, “Never run your horse, or you will be walking.”

 When he was 7, he was working with his dad burning weeds when the propane tank exploded, leaving Jeff severely burned. These burns would be with him for 57 years, ultimately causing him much pain and illness.

He graduated from Lovell High School in 1979 and went to Ricks College the fall of 1981 for a year. He then returned to work on the family farm.

In the summer of 1986, he began dating JodyLynne Woody. The two were married in 1987. They recently celebrated 36 years of marriage last November. To this marriage four boys were born, Jacob, Jackson, Jesse and Joey. These boys were Jeff's pride and joy.

The family spent many weekends camping, hunting and fishing. He used to say he spent more time untangling lines than fishing. Jeff's lifestyle was farming. He instilled hard work in his boys. Many of life's lessons were taught on ditch banks.

His boys were all athletic. He spent many Saturdays watching wrestling. After a match the boys would visit with their dad on what they did to win a match or what they should have done. He was so proud of all their accomplishments. All four boys were State placers. Not too many dads could say that. He was supportive of his wife and boys in all that they did.

His handsome and successful boys are all married. Jeff finally got daughters. He graciously received them into his life and home. Having daughters meant having grandchildren. He used to say, “I always thought my boys were smart until I had grandchildren. They are geniuses.”

Jeff was on the Sunlight Drain board and worked to help his neighbors. He was a shareholder in the Western Sugar Cooperative. He was awarded Cooperative of the Year for the Shoshone Conservation District.

Jeff and JodyLynne loved to travel. The places they have been and the friends they have made along the way will always be special. They were best friends and did everything together. Jeff will be missed by many, especially by his boys and wife.

Jeff was preceded in death by his dad, Joe Bassett, and nephew Jeremy Croft.

He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, JodyLynne; four boys, Jacob (Tosha), Jackson (Lara), Jesse (Kat) and Joey (Tori); grandchildren Khloe, Kannon, Louanna, Twyla, Baron and Samson, with a tie breaker due in May; mother Iris Bassett; brothers Rusty (Sonja), Jodee (Donna) and Matt (Tracy) Bassett; sisters Jennifer Cerroni and Jackie (H.K.) Click; brothers-in-law Johnny (Gina) Woody, Jimmy Woody, Brad (Chris) Kuntz and Erik (Mindy) Kuntz; sisters-in-law Tanya (Doug) Kluge and Teri (Joe) Serger; fathers-in-law Troy (Tina) Woody and Jon (Judy) Martin; mother-in-law Linda Martin (Steve Ramsey); and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved pets Moose, Sii, Shadow and Peaches.

The family sends a special thank you to Brad Kuntz for helping care for Jeff the last week of his life.

A funeral service was held March 1 at the LDS Stake Center in Lovell with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment was in the Lovell Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Jeff to the Masons of Lovell on behalf of Tri-Mountain View Lodge No. 35.

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