Laura Janice Basile

(March 11, 1950-April 13,2017)

“Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10)

Laura Janice Basile (nee Endres) was born in Oklahoma City on March 11th, 1950 to Walter Carl Endres and Anna Janice Endres (nee Kirtley). She spent her childhood in the Oklahoma City metro area. She graduated from John Marshall High School in 1969. After graduation, she attended Central State University (now UCO) for a brief time, where she majored in Art Education.

She went on to work for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a Directory Assistance operator until 1978.

A faithful lover of God’s word, Laura loved to travel and do missionary work. In 1977, she went on an overseas missionary tour to Israel, and then Italy, where she met Claudio Gioacchino Basile. After a time of friendship and eventual engagement (on April 15, 1978) Laura and Claudio married in Oklahoma City. Following that, they moved to Rome, Italy and lived there until 1995. Two children were born from their marriage: Marco, born in 1983; and Cristina, born in 1989. In 1995, the Basile family moved permanently back to the U.S., in Oklahoma City. Laura worked several different jobs after the move, most of which involved office work.

Laura truly embodied God’s sweetness. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She esteemed marriage and family far above jobs, careers, hobbies, and other pursuits. Her sweet smile lit even the darkest of rooms. Just her presence and demeanor would bring a sense of peace and love to her surroundings. Everyone she came in contact with would make the following comment: “She is just a sweet lady”. She will be missed dearly, but her family (even in grieving) is comforted by the certainty that Laura is with Jesus, healthy and strong.

Laura was preceded in her passing by her father, Walter C. Endres. She is survived by her husband, Claudio Gioacchino; her son, Marco Francesco; her daughter, Cristina Janice; her grandson Aiden Francesco; her mother, Anna Janice; her sisters, Rita Harris, Ann Brutsche, Mary Endres; and numerous nephews and nieces.

“Many ladies have done well, but you excel them all” (Proverbs 31:29)