After a courageous fight from an extremely complicated aorta replacement surgery in Houston, Texas, Ronald Eugene Bassler, 70, went to be with our loving Lord on January 10, 2021. Even though a failing heart took him away from us, his loving heart left a beacon of light in our community.

Ron was born in Marion, Ohio to Donald and Virginia (Lupica) Bassler. He is survived by his loving wife Marla; sister, Carol (Marcello) Hernandez; daughters, Robin Sharpe and Brianne (Phil) Vanderveer; grandchildren, Jake, Chloe and James; niece, Christine (Matt) Wicks and great niece, Nora. He also leaves behind the Gilley family who he considered to be his own. Brothers-in-law, Rod, Dan and Tim Gilley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom Ron loved.

After graduating high school in 1968 from Saint Mary’s in Phoenix, Ron served in the Arizona Air National Guard as an Air Medical Evacuation Technician during the Vietnam conflict until 1972. He then started his 44-year career in the utility business, working for Arizona Public Service (APS) and Southwest Gas Corporation. He began his career as a draftsman mapping power and natural gas lines and rose through the ranks while attending Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University. He earned his BA from ASU in Business. Ron worked in multiple facets of the industry, receiving promotions to positions of Project Manager, Budget Manager, Director of Customer Relations and finally General Manager, before retiring from the Central Arizona Division of Southwest Gas, in 2014.

During his business career he served as a Director on various Boards including: Better Business Bureau, ASU Alumni, WP Carey Economic Club and WestMarc.

Ron and his wife Marla, met August 25, 2005 on a blind date at the House of Tricks Restaurant in Tempe and have been soul mates ever since. Ron adored Marla and it was evident when he talked to others about her and the way he looked at her. They were married on December 1, 2007 in the California wine country. Being a social couple and connector they were involved in many fundraisers and sporting events while living in the valley. They bought their forever home in Prescott and moved in full time, in 2014.

Ron and Marla joined the Heights Christian Community in Prescott, where together they served as Lead Ushers and as Campaign Chairs for “Whatever It Takes.” They were also members of and took turns hosting a life group. Ron served on the finance committee for Heights. On a fun note, he dressed up for and played the part of a Dickens Village Caroler, providing entertainment at Christmas Eve celebrations.

The simplest pleasures in life gave Ron such joy. Face-timing with the kids and grandkids, building a cutting board for a friend, or enjoying a glass of fine wine from his cellar, is a sampling of what brought him happiness. Ron’s engaging and pleasant personality and his smile that lit up a room were contagious to everyone he met. Family, friends, RV travel, entertaining, woodworking, hunting, fly-fishing, golf and guitar filled his days.

Ron’s adventurous spirit led to the fulfillment of many bucket-list items. He and Marla traveled to Italy and Switzerland with friends, where they toured wineries in the countryside, learned to cook Mediterranean cuisine and viewed “The Lord’s Supper” by Michelangelo.  Stateside travels with Marla included attending the Kentucky Derby followed by a road trip tour of distilleries located along the Bourbon Trail. They ventured on RV trips to Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Lake Tahoe, Glacier National Park, Montana, Colorado and Kansas and of course to visit the kids. Ron also enjoyed summer fly-fishing trips to Montana and Utah with friends from Prescott.

As for bucket-list items in Arizona, cheering for his favorite NFL team the Cleveland Browns, when they played in the Cardinals Stadium, was a highlight. A sports fan, he loyally followed his Alma Mater ASU teams, throughout their seasons. A personal dream-come-true for Ron, was when in 2019 he and Marla both drew tags to hunt for elk. Many prior seasons he had put in for an elk tag, but had never been drawn. Excited and hoping for the best, they hired Shadow Valley Outfitters guide service and amazingly both were successful. In fact the hunt, in units near Williams, AZ, coincided with their 12th wedding anniversary, on December 1st.
At home Ron was always industrious doing projects and would ask Marla to make room on the calendar because, as he put it, “I need some shop time.” Woodworking was something he continued to hone his skills on and found the process of building everything from a living room entertainment center, to a bourbon display case for the Lyzzard’s Lounge, to candleholders and charcuterie boards, all very satisfying. Friends would come to Ron for practical wood repair needs. Nothing was off the table. His final project was a dog run for their new puppy, Kadi.

Following his health scare in September, Ron was adamant about following through on their plan to get a puppy. Already prepared for Kadi’s arrival, he saw her as a companion dog for Marla, one who would help see her through whatever hard times she might have to face.

As goal oriented as Ron was in this life, he said that ultimately what he wanted, was to hear God tell him, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Next time you put on your favorite jeans, flannel shirt, boots and hat, think of Ron. He left us more than memories. Let’s carry it on.

Should you wish to make a gift in memory of Ronald E. Bassler, the family would appreciate donations to the American Heart Association.
A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on February 27th, at Heights Church, 2121 Larry Caldwell Drive, Prescott, AZ. Feel free to wear jeans, flannel shirt, t-shirt, boots, etc. Ron will be smiling down on you.

If you are not available to attend Ron’s service in person, we would like to invite you to join via Zoom. If you don’t know how to Zoom don’t worry, we have a video to show you how. Just click on this link: https://youtu.be/fMUxzrgZvZQ
Here is the Zoom link for his service:
Zoom Memorial Service for Ron Bassler
When: Feb 27, 2021 10:00 AM Arizona
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84795936145?pwd=czcyd0U0WWFMenBZR0pDTmRJd01vdz09
Passcode: 458728