Helen Bassett passed away on November 18, 2016, in Salem, Oregon, of complications from a broken hip. She was born on September 30, 1922, in Sierra Madre, California, the youngest child of Url and Nellie (Hollis) Fox, who had recently returned from several years of service as missionaries in India.

Helen met Jack Bassett at Pasadena City College, and her father married them in 1943. After World War II, they moved to Alaska so Jack could attend the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Their adventures included building a dog team and a log cabin. They returned to Pasadena after their first son, Martin, was born, so their families could enjoy their grandson.

In 1949, they moved to southern Oregon, where they homesteaded outside Rogue River and then went into business with Jack’s parents in Grants Pass. They started a small drive-in called Larry’s, where Helen was the first carhop and the rest of the family took turns cooking as they learned the restaurant business. By 1960, the family had added another son, Scott, and Larry’s had added a coffee shop, dining room, banquet room, and—Helen’s pride and joy--the “Kashmir Room,” featuring exotic décor, weekend entertainment, and dancing to Leo’s piano and organ. It was a popular 24-hour hangout and stopping point for locals and travelers alike.

In the 1970s, the restaurant was sold, and Helen managed the Hood River Inn. She became a trouble-shooter for The Royal Inns of America, covering Colorado, Texas, and California. Later she settled in Lake Oswego and managed Elks Clubs until she moved to Salem to be near her sons and their families. Helen was always very proud of her sons and grandchildren.

In retirement, Helen was a longtime resident of Southview Terrace and a volunteer at Salem Hospital. She loved visiting Pasadena, but also enjoyed opportunities to travel abroad with a childhood friend, visiting Europe and Asia, sailing on the QE2, and flying on the SST supersonic airplane. Well into her 80s, she hopped the bus into downtown Salem almost weekly to have her hair done and visit “the girls” at JC Penney and Nordstrom.

Helen is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Martin and Rhonna Bassett, and Scott and Janet Bassett, of Salem, eight grandchildren and their families, and several nieces and nephews. Her friends and family members will not forget her gentle manner, sweet sense of humor, elegant style, compassion for those down on their luck, thoughtful gifts, and penny hunts for the kids. She will be sorely missed by all.

No services will be held. Contributions in her memory may be made to Marion/Polk Food Share, 1660 Salem Industrial Drive, Salem, 97301-0374, or Teen Challenge, 3060 Portland Rd NE, Salem, 97303.