Wilma Rosemary Shepherd Bassett

Willi, as she liked to be called, was born in Wichita Falls, Texas to Mary Francis (Mollie) Oxford Shepherd and Willard Samuel (Shep) Shepherd on April 12, 1919. She passed quietly to her rest on Feb. 6, 2008. She had been a resident at the Masonic Home in Helena for nine wonderful years. She is survived by her daughter, G. Rene' Maloon and her husband John of Spokane, Wash.; son Sean Dullea and his wife Katie of Sandpoint, Idaho; her sister Leah Bennett of Kettle Falls, Wash; five grandchildren: William McNeill, of Columbia Falls, Fawn McNeill-Barr of Okeechobee, Fla., N. Asia Goins of Spokane, Aaron Murrell, of New Port Richey, Fla. and Ariana Turano of Columbia, S.C.; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.

Willi was a fine musician beginning her professional career at the young age of 12 years old. She formed her all girls dance band while in Havre High School and was in much demand along the Hi-line. She attended the Cornish School of Music in Seattle.

She played and toured with the big bands during the second World War. She played the piano and organ for a variety of supper clubs in Great Falls as well as other towns in the state of Montana finally settling down in Libby.

She played at the Caboose and later the MK Steak House in Libby.

Her life was filled with music and she gave generously the gift of music to all who took the time to listen and enjoy.

She also wrote for the Libby newspaper with her own column.

She was inducted into the Order of the Eastern Star in 1954 and continued in that organization until her death.

Services were held in Libby on Monday, Feb. 11, 2008 at the Nelson & Vial Funeral home with the OES and the Episcopal church presiding. She will be buried in Libby next to her beloved Carter. Any donations should be made to the Masonic Home of Helena in her name.