Shirley M. (Zeigler) Basehore
Shirley M. (Zeigler) Basehore, age 82, of Mechanicsburg, died unexpectedly and peacefully
in her sleep at home on Monday, August 5, 2019. Shirley was born on Sunday, October 25,
1936 in Carlisle to the late M. Roy Zeigler and Rachael (Witmer) Zeigler. In addition to her
parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her beloved canine companion, Pebbles the Yorkshire
terrier; and her 1998 world champion Tennessee Walking Horse, Gold Dust Generator.
Shirley’s survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Mark Richard Basehore; her two
children: Debra “Debi” Wiest and her husband, Stephen, of Mechanicsburg, Mark R. Basehore, Jr.
and his wife, Pamela, of Cherry Hill, NJ; her three grandchildren: Amanda (Wiest) Crowell and her
husband, Rob, Sarah Basehore, Mark Daniel Basehore; and her two beloved Tennessee Walkers:
The Merry Dare Devil and Dream Catcher, who was one of the 33 colts born on the farm.
Shirley graduated from Mechanicsburg High School as part of the class of 1954, where
she was a cheerleader and drum majorette. It was there that she met and fell in love
with a handsome football player that she’d spend her whole life with. Shirley retired
from Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, after many years of service
working as a library aide. She was a longtime member of Silver Spring Presbyterian
Church for 60 years, where she served as the former assistant treasurer for 30 years
and a Sunday school teacher. Shirley was a member of the National Walking Horse
Association, Tri-State Walking Horse Association, and the Order of the Eastern Star.
As an avid member of “Cruisers without Borders”, she loved going on cruises and traveling
with her husband. The two most enjoyed making trips to visit their grandchildren. Shirley
was incredibly devoted to her family and even as an only child, her cousins became
her “sisters”. She always remained attentive to her family’s health and well-being,
especially to Mark’s sugar levels. She was very proud and supportive of her children and
grandchildren. It was their accomplishments and education that led her daughter-in-
law and granddaughters to receive their PhD, EdD, and DPM. Shirley tried her hardest
to attend as many events as possible for her family. She taught her granddaughter,
Amanda, how to cook and instilled in all her grandchildren their love of horses. Shirley
had a devotion to Yorkshire terriers as well as a good eye for horses and she loved going
to the horse shows. She also enjoyed antiques and bowling on various teams.
Contributions in celebration of Shirley’s life can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America,
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20037, http://www.Lupus.org/Donate.