Anita Louise Bassler

Anita Louise Bassler, of Dorrance, Kansas passed away on November 17, 2023 at Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, KS. She was 79 years old.

Anita was born on May 9, 1944 to Ernest Frank and Louise Bernadine (Bode) Pasek in Russell. She was the oldest of eleven children.

Anita grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1962. Later, she attended The American Business College in Wichita. Shortly after, Anita met Richard “Rick” Bassler, who she claimed “was as cute as the guy in my dreams.” They married in 1963 and began their lives together in Wichita before moving to Salina. In 1971, the two relocated back to Dorrance where they purchased the old city café and opened the very popular Why-Not Tavern. They owned this for years then sold to new owners. Anita then began her career working in a law firm as a secretary and para-legal trainee. She worked for Michael Holland’s law firm in Russell where she continued for many years until retirement. Anita was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Dorrance.

Anita is survived by her sons, Richard (LaVonna) Bassler of Topeka, KS and Randy Bassler (Cindy Cain) of Alta Vista, KS; sibilings Joan (Tom) Weinhold, Sheri (Randy) Sloan, Kenneth “Pete” (Gloria) Pasek, Larry (Kelly) Pasek, Mitchell Pasek and Connie (Richard) Urban; Grandchildren, Jason Bassler, Amanda Hunninghake, Kayla Carboni , Kelsi Bassler, Sheyenne Stewart, Viktor Robinson, Coltin Robinson, Brad Pretzer, Kody Pretzer; and Great grandchildren, Connor Webber, Logan Hunninghake, Brody Hunninghake, Addilyn Fiehler, Bentley Hardten, Slade Perin, Jaxson Stewart, Rilynn Stewart, Amy Pretzer, Adrian Pretzer, Austin Pretzer, Bella Robinson, Ryelee Robinson and Newt Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rick, daughter, Kristin “Kris” Hoien; siblings, Ernie Pasek, Sandy Karst, Steve Pasek and Theresa Niehoff.

The Bassler family invites everyone to a celebration of life get together on Saturday, May 11 from 5 to 7 PM at the Dorrance American Legion.