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In Memory Of

Carol A. Bass, age 78 of Helena

May 13, 1942 – December 2, 2020

Carol (Martin) Bass was born in May 13, 1942 in Butte, Montana to Adrian (AJ) and Olive Martin. She passed away on December 2, 2020, with family beside her.

She was raised in Three Forks, and graduated from Three Forks High School — and attended Butte Business College the following year.  It was in Butte that she met Terry W. Bass and they were married in 1962. Together they raised four children Jon, Susan, Stacey and Alisa. Carol was an amazing home-maker and created lasting memories for her family.  She was imaginative, fun and creative and supported the kids in their hobbies, sports, clubs and adventures.

Carol was always interested in who her kids were socializing with, and endeared herself to them as well – she provided a safe place for anyone that may need it.  Once the kids were raised, she started working outside the home, putting her smarts and customer service to work.  She was on the store opening team for Shopko, and stayed until her retirement.  She always enjoyed helping others succeed.  She made friends everywhere she worked; most have reached out and told us how very kind, patient, smart and helpful she was with them; and how much they missed working with her when she retired. She was the “face” of Shopko – everyone seemed to know her and missed her after she left.

Carol was in love with each one of her grandchildren – all ten of them — and when her six great grandchildren started arriving, she was over the moon.  They were all certainly bright spots in her life.

Carol joins her parents AJ and Olive, her 2nd Father Lee Todd, her Brother Marvin, and Grandson Reid in Heaven. She is survived by:   her Husband of 58 years, Terry W. Bass;  Her Children: Jon(Becky) Bass, Susan (Rich) Proul, Stacey (Chris) Petersen, and Alisa Bass;  Her Grandchildren:  Erik Bass (Lexie), Courtney Bahny (Chris), Nicole Bass (Kale Wilke), Jonathan Proul, Brekk Bass, Coty Bass, Larissa Preller (David), Ryan Bass, and Kama Thom. GreatGrandchildren: Dayson, Vivian, Krue, Kenslee, Hazel, and Kitch; her brother-in- law, Tim Bass (Gretchen). As well as several nieces and nephews.

The family is planning a private memorial service in the future.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

Service Schedule

Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Kathleen Hamill says

    December 4, 2020 at 11:52 am

    Terry, John, Becky and Family,
    So sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our prayers at this sad time.
    Kathy & Maury Hamill

  2. Shelly Clinch says

    December 4, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Jon and Becky and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray the memories you all have help to heal your hearts. Take care,
    Shelly

  3. Buerman Carol says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:00 pm

    My sincere condolences Terry and family having to depart from the love of your life. I trust Carol’s life journey Will be cherished and remembered with love in your hearts and joy in your memories.
    Carol Buerman

  4. Diana Stieg says

    December 5, 2020 at 7:03 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

  5. Debbie Zuidema says

    December 5, 2020 at 10:50 am

    Jon, Becky, and Family,

    We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our hearts and prayers.

    Debbie & Karri

  6. John Cherie Dahl says

    December 5, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    Terry, our thoughts and prayers 🙏 are with you and the rest of your family.

  7. Steve lantz says

    December 5, 2020 at 8:30 pm

    I’m so sorry for your families loss. Prayers are with you.

  8. Terry Thomas,Teri Bingham,Nick Thomas says

    December 6, 2020 at 9:53 am

    Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Moms are a special person and now Mom is in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  9. Bill & Shirley Clarkson says

    December 6, 2020 at 11:15 am

    Terry and family:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been too long since we last saw you.
    Bill & Shirley Clarkson
    Richland, WA 99354

  10. Jean Robertson says

    December 6, 2020 at 2:31 pm

    Terry, my sincerest condolences to you and your family in the loss of your wife.

  11. Lanae Matson Vetsch says

    December 7, 2020 at 7:34 am

    Many condolences to the family. I met Carol while I was high school, her daughters and I were in the Masonic Order of Rainbow for Girls. I remember her gracious hospitality. It was great to be part of the team to open Shopko when we worked together. I loved seeing her great smile. May happy memories of her always be with you.

  12. Jan Brown says

    December 7, 2020 at 10:33 am

    Terry and family, I was sorry to learn of Carol’s death. She was a good friend many years ago, and I am sad that we had lost touch over the years. Thinking of you all, and glad that you will have lots of photos and wonderful memories.

  13. Connie A Jerome says

    December 7, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    Terry, Children, Grandchildren, and Great Grandchildren –
    We are so sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. What a wonderful legacy you all created for her. May your fondest memories be treasured within your hearts to call to mind at a moments notice to comfort you in the days ahead. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
    Sincerely, Connie and Kelly Jerome and family.

  14. Debbie Hurni says

    December 7, 2020 at 10:42 pm

    Dear Terry and family
    We are so sorry for Carol’s passing. We didn’t know her well but do remember her at Shopko. My son Marc & I rented from Terry & we did visit with Carol from time to time. Thank you for sharing her legacy. What an awesome lady! Keep your memories of her close & smile whenever you think of her. May God confort you during this sad time.

  15. Dudley Williams says

    December 8, 2020 at 10:36 am

    Terry and family,
    My sincerest condolences to you all.

  16. Dave Anderson says

    December 9, 2020 at 9:46 am

    Terry and family,
    So sorry for your loss.. Be strong and know you have friends thinking of you .

  17. Mary Spaulding says

    December 9, 2020 at 2:02 pm

    Dear Terry,
    So sorry to hear of Carol’s passing. Sending my condolences and prayers for you and your family.

  18. Becky LaRoque says

    December 16, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    Terry and family,

    Ouur thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Scott & Becky LaRoque

  19. Dr. Dennis Hayslett says

    December 17, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Terry,

    I am praying for strength, comfort, and healing for your family. Please let me know if there is anything that you need!

    Dr. Dennis Hayslett
    Palm Beach, Florida

  20. Tami Bartraw Miller says

    January 12, 2021 at 9:52 am

    My heart goes out to the entire family for your loss. Carol was always so easy to talk to, kind and loving with her advice and always had a smile and hug. She was a wonderful woman, may your hearts be filled with memories that make you smile and bring you peace, in this time of sadness.

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