Obituary of Priscilla Bass

Priscilla Ruth (Wiley) Bass passed into her Father’s house on August 6, 2024 after a prolonged illness.

Born on March 27, 1947, in Doniphan to Bertis (Fearing) and Patricia Emmons Wiley, Priscilla was a born nurturer, caring for siblings, gardens, and cows.  She graduated from Truman State University, Kirksville with a degree in education and began teaching in the Doniphan district the following fall.  Her husband joked that she spent 30+ years in the fourth grade.

Priscilla was determined to live her life as a strong, independent woman of the ‘70s, but quickly lost her heart to a slim, shy country boy whose unconventional approach to courting included walks in the rain, climbing lookout towers, and spontaneous outings for no other reason than to “go”.  They married on April 20, 1974, at the First Baptist Church in Doniphan.

Priscilla was an avid reader and crafter. She was an excellent cook, who never had to follow a recipe to make a meal.  She loved flowers and watching the birds.  She and her husband, Steve, had two daughters by birth, but provided love and a listening ear to many more over the years.

She is survived by two daughters, Marcia (Brian) Zoellner and Katie (Randy) Plumb, all of Doniphan and Robert Holland, also of Doniphan, whom she regarded as a son, three grandchildren, Nora Zoellner, Remington Plumb, and Anita Zoellner, two sisters, Pam (Mike) Schaefer of O’Fallon, MO and Kim (Tom) Trabue of Rocheport, MO, one brother, David (Marsha Ann) Wiley of Beaufort, SC and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Steve, one brother, Bertis, and one grandchild, Georgia Grace Plumb.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 17, 2024, beginning at noon with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Brother Fred Wiktorek will be officiating, and interment will be in the Doniphan City Cemetery.