Susan Lee Basinger

OTTAWA - Susan Lee Basinger (Davies), 64, of Ottawa, Ohio died March 14, 2016 at home surrounded by her husband, Judge Randall Basinger and her children.

She was born December 21, 1951 in Cleveland, Ohio to Spencer and Evelyn (Ellis) Davies, who preceded her in death.  On May 17, 1975 she married Randall Basinger, who survives in Ottawa.  She is also survived by her three children, Matthew (Natalia) Basinger of Northbrook, Illinois, Bethany (John) Coburn of Davis, California, and Alexandra (Mark) Grandjean of San Francisco, California.  She is survived by five grandchildren, Zachary, Alexander & Mia Basinger and William & Evelyn Coburn. She is also survived by her brother Craig (Marcia) Davies, of Jacksonville, Florida, sister-in-law, Deborah (Duane) Bollenbacher, of Bluffton, Ohio, and mother-in-law, Eileen Basinger, of Bluffton, Ohio.

Susan graduated from Mayfield High School, in suburban Cleveland, in 1970.  She was a classically trained flutist.  In 1974 she graduated from Bowling Green State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in early childhood education.  While a student at BGSU, she met her husband Randall.

Susan retired after a career in early childhood education.  She served as the director of Sunbeams Preschool in Leipsic.  She later worked at the Putnam County Educational Service Center as a family service coordinator and at Putnam Acres Care Center, where she established an intergenerational learning center.

Susan was a proud and long-time member of Ottawa Presbyterian Church.   She volunteered for Putnam County Habitat for Humanity, Ottawa Elementary School, and the American Cancer Society where she used her experience as a breast cancer survivor to guide and mentor newly diagnosed patients.  Susan loved to travel and she loved animals, adopting many dogs over the years.  Susan loved to cook and to share fun times and laughter with her family and friends.

Susan was a person of strong faith, grace, humility and passion.  She was a friend to all and a great friend to many.  Susan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 18, 2016 at Ottawa Presbyterian Church 150 N. Oak Street with Rev. Patrick Harley officiating.  Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday and 12 p.m. until the time of service on Friday, all at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Susan's memory to Ottawa Presbyterian Church Mission and Outreach, Ottawa Elementary School Library, or Ohio Labrador Retriever Rescue Services.

Condolences may be expressed at:  www.lovefuneralhome.com