Letty Jane Bassler

Letty Jane Bassler, 92, of La Quinta, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and devoted caregivers. Letty lived a life marked by love, kindness, generosity, and a passion for adventure.

Letty was born on February 17, 1933, in Philadelphia, PA. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she graduated from South Shore High School in 1950. She attended Northwestern University. Her adventurous spirit led her to become a flight attendant for United Airlines, where her passion for aviation was sparked. Many years later, she pursued her dream of flying, obtaining her private pilot’s license at the age of 60 and later earning her instrument and commercial pilot’s license.

Beyond aviation, Letty had a deep love for Tennessee Walking Horses. This passion led her and her family to move from Newport Beach to a horse ranch in Chino, CA, where she rode, showed horses, and organized charity horse shows. Her love of adventure didn’t stop there—she embraced thrilling experiences such as flying on the Concorde, cruising on the QE2, parasailing, air gliding over and skiing the mountains of Sun Valley, ID, and even successfully navigating an emergency landing of a failing Cessna aircraft.

Letty’s greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Those around her always felt loved and valued. She enjoyed music, dancing, and sharing warmth and encouragement with everyone she met.

Letty is survived by her four children (and their spouses), Lynlee Kruse (David Kruse), Lori Bassler Hayes (Robert Hayes), Donald Bassler (Leigh Bassler), and Letty Glaser (Guy Glaser); sister, Lynn Bellati; sister-in-law, Rosalie Doddridge; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and two nieces. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Donald Victor Bassler, with whom she shared an incredibly beautiful marriage of 44 years.

Letty’s love, adventurous spirit, and unwavering kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Private services will be held at Pacific View Memorial Park and Mortuary in Newport Beach, CA, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Revlon/UCLA Women’s Breast Cancer Fund at https://giving.ucla.edu/Standard/NetDonate.aspx?SiteNum=113 in honor of Letty’s enduring strength and compassion.