Catherine Janelle Basham

Catherine Janelle Basham, age 94, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on January 4, 2025.

Janelle dedicated her life to her family as a devoted stay-at-home mother for many years. Later, she worked at GTE Lenkurt for a decade, balancing her professional life with her deep love for her family. After her husband, Clarence E. Basham, retired, they embraced the joys of travel, exploring the United States together and creating cherished memories on family camping and fishing trips. She was a longtime active member of Sandia Baptist Church, where her faith and service were a cornerstone of her life.

Janelle shared a beautiful 72-year marriage with her childhood sweetheart, Clarence E. Basham, whom she married on September 14, 1949. Their enduring love story was a testament to their commitment and devotion to one another.

Janelle is lovingly remembered and survived by her children: Jan Wells, Lance (Julia) Basham, and William (Mary) Basham; her grandchildren: Leslea (Tommy) Wright, Keith (Teena) Basham, Gabriel (Jennifer) Vargas, Michelle (Matt) Connell, Rachel (Dan) Basham, Scott Basham, and Kevin Basham; her great-grandchildren: Ashlea Wright, Brandon (Mary) Wright, Kyle Vargas, Skylar Vargas, Salina Vargas, Gabriel Vargas II, Lazarus Chandler, Alexis Basham, Solomon Scott, Riley Basham, Aaliyah Basham, and Kevin Basham Jr.; and her great-great-grandchild: David Wright. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, neighbors, and her dear sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ed Moore.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Leslie and Edna Lea, as well as her sister Carol Cross and brother-in-law Marshall (Red) Cross. Her sister Joyce Hail and brother-in-law Robert Hail. A niece Jennifer Fletcher.

Janelle’s life will be celebrated on Monday January 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the French Mortuary Chapel, located at 10500 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will include Lance Basham, Keith Basham, Tommy Wright, Brandon Wright, Ashlea Wright, & Brian Soens. 

Janelle’s unwavering love, faith, and dedication to her family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.