IRENE BASS

Irene Bass peacefully passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center in San Angelo, Texas, at the age of 85. Irene, the eldest of two children, was born December 24, 1922, to Adelaydo and Mary Garza in Galveston, Texas. Irene's early years were spent in Houston, Texas, where she attended the University of Houston. She has resided in San Angelo, Texas, for over sixty years. She was the bookkeeper for Virgil Powell for many years. Irene was a member of First United Methodist Church of San Angelo, Desk and Derrick of San Angelo, and volunteered at Angelo Community Hospital. Irene had a gift for sewing, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. However, her heart and delight were always with her family. On July 5, 1962, Irene and James M. Bass were married in Corpus Christi, Texas, when two families were united as one. Irene and Jim have shared many wonderful memories during their forty-six years together. Their enthusiasm for traveling has lead them to amazing places around the world. In later years, Irene's interests were primarily focused on her family, enjoying their ranch and feeding her miniature donkey, Poncho. For the last seven years of Irene's life, she was with her extraordinary "other" family at Sagecrest. The family wishes to express particular gratitude to the entire staff for their kindnesses and care during Irene's difficult journey. We also wish to extend a warm thank you to Angelo Health Care for helping to furnish Irene with a sense of home and happiness. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Alfred L. Garza; and her dear cousins, "Butchie" and Bill Bryan. Irene is survived by her husband, James M. Bass; her daughter, Cheri Holt; her daughter and son-in-law, Leslie and Greg Gossett; her son and daughter-in-law, John and Jeannie Bass, all of San Angelo; and her son, James M. Bass, Jr., of Fort Worth. Also surviving Irene are her beloved grandchildren, James Holt; David Holt and his wife, Stephnie; Stephen Gossett; Sarah Cypert and her husband, Wade; Allison Gossett; Melanie Bass; Jimmy Bass and his wife, Stefanie; and Kelley Rivalta and her husband, Reno; her precious great grandchildren, Austin, Brendan, Mackenzie, Hailey, Wayd, Chelsea, Adyson, James, Jayce, RJ, Bella and Klaire; and her special niece, Carolyn Reidy. A private burial will be Tuesday, March 11. The celebration of Irene's life will be held on Wednesday, March 12, at 2:30 p.m., at First United Methodist Church of San Angelo, 37 East Beauregard. Dr. Ricky Burke of First United Methodist Church and Rev. Ben Hubert of First Christian Church of San Angelo will officiate. In honor of Irene, all locations of Jim Bass Ford Cars and Trucks will be closed Wednesday, March 12. Memorials may be made to Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center; Meals for the Elderly; or your favorite charity.