Ivan Luther Basham

Ivan L. Basham of Sophia died Friday August 5, 2016 surrounded by his family at Bowers Hospice House following a severe stroke. Ivan was born in Woodbay, West Virginia on June 24, 1933 to the late Ivan McKinley and Anna Jeanette (Young) Basham. Ivan spent his life in Sophia and graduated from Sophia High School in 1951. He briefly worked construction and spent most of his life working in the mines. He was a retired member of the District 17 UMWA local union 781. He retired from Peabody’s Lightfoot #2 Mine. Ivan loved his family and was very proud of them. He also loved to fish and travel, especially to Pigeon Forge, TN. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Diana G. (Basham) Bolen, his parents, 3 brothers: James Rodney of the home, Donald Ray Basham of Sophia and Albert “Austin” Basham of Santa Fe, NM. He was also proceeded in death by two sister-in-laws; Judy (Encinias) Basham of Santa Fe, NM and Linda (Cole) Basham of Daniels, and brother-in-law Don Kelly of Sophia Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of 49 years, Myrtle M. Mills, Haga, Basham, 2 sons: Donald Haga of Greenville, WV and Glenn Haga and wife Mitzi of Soak Creek: and 2 daughters Cindy K. Delp and husband Jamie of Soak Creek and Susan R. Basham-Richmond and husband Dale Richmond of Sophia: son-in-law, David K. Bolen of Crab Orchard, Eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandson. Ivan has 2 surviving brothers, Douglas G. Basham of Daniels and Gary M. Basham of Sophia as well as a sister Frances Kelly of Sophia. His life of memories and stories will also be cherished by a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and their families. Services honoring the life of Ivan L. Basham will be 11:00am Monday August 8, 2015 in the chapel of Blue Ridge Funeral Home with his nephew, Pastor Don Kelly officiating. Following the service Ivan will be laid to rest in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Grandson’s and great nephews will serve as pallbearers. Friends may gather with the family from 6-8pm Sunday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801, In memory of Ivan L. Basham.