Shirley M. (Zeigler) Basehore

Shirley M. (Zeigler) Basehore

Incredibly Devoted to her Family -

Shirley M. (Zeigler) Basehore, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, died unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep at home on Monday, August 5, 2019.  Shirley was born on Sunday, October 25, 1936 in Carlisle to the late M. Roy Zeigler and Rachael (Witmer) Zeigler.  In addition to her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved canine companion, Pebbles the Yorkshire terrier; and her 1998 world champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Gold Dust Generator.

Shirley’s survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Mark Richard Basehore; her two children: Debra “Debi” Wiest and her husband, Stephen, of Mechanicsburg, Mark R. Basehore, Jr. and his wife, Pamela, of Cherry Hill, NJ; her three grandchildren: Amanda  (Wiest) Crowell and her husband, Rob, Sarah Basehore, Mark Daniel Basehore; and her two beloved Tennessee Walkers: The Merry Dare Devil and Dream Catcher, who was one of the 33 colts born on the farm.

Shirley graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1954, where she was a cheerleader and drum majorette.  It was there that she met and fell in love with a handsome football player that she’d spend her whole life with.  Shirley retired from Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, after many years of service working as a library aide.  She was a longtime member of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church for 60 years, where she served as the former assistant treasurer for 30 years and a Sunday school teacher.  Shirley was a member of the National Walking Horse Association, Tri-State Walking Horse Association, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

As an avid member of “Cruisers without Borders”, she loved going on cruises and traveling with her husband.  The two most enjoyed making trips to visit their grandchildren.  Shirley was incredibly devoted to her family and even as an only child, her cousins became her “sisters”.  She always remained attentive to her family’s health and well-being, especially to Mark’s sugar levels.  She was very proud and supportive of her children and grandchildren.  It was their accomplishments and education that led her daughter-in-law and granddaughters to receive their PhD, EdD, and DPM.  Shirley tried her hardest to attend as many events as possible for her family.  She taught her granddaughter, Amanda, how to cook and instilled in all her grandchildren their love of horses.  Shirley had a devotion to Yorkshire terriers as well as a good eye for horses and she loved going to the horse shows.  She also enjoyed antiques and bowling on various teams.

All are welcome to join Shirley’s family at her gathering of family and friends on Friday, August 9, 2019, from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m., all at Silver Spring Presbyterian Church, 444 Silver Spring Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050; with Reverend Donald B. Wahlig and Reverend Jane K. Anabe officiating.  Burial will immediately follow in the Silver Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery.  Honored to be pallbearers are: Mark Daniel Basehore, Tom Basehore, Mark Basehore, Jr., Rob Crowell, Andrew Groves, and Steve Wiest.  Shirley’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Shirley’s life can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037, www.Lupus.org/Donate.

Shirley’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Shirley’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.