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Leota Basham

BASHAM, Leota “Leah” A. Gilkison, 90, of Wheeling, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013.

She was born September 21, 1922, in Morehead, KY, daughter of the late Russel and Mary Belle Gilkison.

She was a 1941 graduate of Morehead High School. She worked during WWII at two defense plants in Muncie, IN and at an aircraft plant in Columbus, Ohio. Then she worked at Stone and Thomas as a seamstress for 22 years and eventually retired from Elder-Beerman in 1988. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Wheeling and delivered for Meals on Wheels.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Eula Story; brothers, Otis, Otto and Eugene Gilkison; a son, Tommy Edward Basham; and a grandson, Douglas.

She is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Carl Basham, Sr.; children, Carl Basham, Jr., Leah Ann Brill, and Douglas Basham; grandchildren, Tony, Thomas and Ryan Basham, Jeremy Curtis, Christopher Brill, Rosaleah Brill, Danny Patrick, Christine Evans, Rachel Spiteri, Dawn Dausman, Michaela Basham and several other grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Ella Jean “Peg” Day; her caregiver, Kay Romine; and several nephews.

Friends will be received Tuesday, April 2, 2013, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling (304-232-2732). A service will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1470 National Rd., Wheeling, with Pastor Darrin Wright officiating. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery.

Personal condolences may be made to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.