Ralph Baskett, Jr.

Ralph Baskett, Jr., 83, passed away December 20, 2007. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Margaret Baskett. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Katie Setka Baskett, and his sister, Ava Marie Baskett Doyle. He is also survived by his sons, Ralph Martha, Bruce Lisa and daughter Beverly Jenkins Dave plus his exchange student son, Olaf Bastian Irina. He has nine grandchildren and two great grandsons. He loved watching them grow into happy adults. Ralph was born in March 17, 1924, attended Peoria schools, UofA and ASU. Ralph was on the All-State basketball team his senior year. He joined the Navy Air Corps after one year at UofA. When he returned, he gave up on his plan to finish college on his basketball scholarship to help his father on the farm. Farming was a joy for him. He worked long hours until Progressive Supranuclear Palsy took away his balance in 2003. Ralph worked with many organizations: Farm Bureau, Cotton Growers, Cattle Growers, Vegetable Growers, ASCS, Toastmasters, etc. After many years of playing basketball, baseball and softball in the area, he officiated games for ten years. He enjoyed contact with all involved. Ralph also had fun coaching some of the boys baseball teams. He was inducted into the Arizona Basketball Hall of Fame in 1966. On the farm, he appreciated the work of his many employees and associates. The family was lucky to have the best neighbors. He never tired of card parties, dances and travel with friends and family. For the past year, he has had many wonderful caregivers at Sun Valley Lodge. Burial by Menke Funeral & Cremation Center will be private. Everyone is invited to celebrate his life at a casual lunch to be held at Rio Vista Park, north Thunderbird Road, just west of 101, from 12 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, December 27. Turn north on Rio Vista Blvd. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Residents