She was born in Willow Springs, Mo., to the late Herbert and Olive M.E. (Felker) Bass. She married Richard Meade on June 12, 1947. They had been married for 54 years at the time of his death on June 14, 2001.

Although she could not sing, she had a part in a senior high school play, Fayette, Iowa, where she played an old lady. The homemaker was a member of Hillside Wesleyan Church where she was active in children's Sunday school and Vacation Bible School for many years. She also taught classes, was in charge of VBS crafts, directed YMWB and was well loved by the children. She was the secretary for the junior department as well. She was active in Women's Missionary Fellowship and did much work on mother/daughter banquets throughout the years. She always had lots of ideas.

She worked at a shoe factory before she was married. She was a stay at home mom. She did some babysitting in her home from time to time. She sewed clothes and quilts, crocheted and cooked. She loved to tease anyone she could.

Survivors include daughters, Martha Ann Bright and Shirley Irene (Daniel) Love, both of Marion; brother, Walter Bass, Mesa, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

She also was preceded in death by siblings, Louis, Lester, Lawrence and Helen.