Ellen A. (Blythe) Basse Dietz, 78, of Marion died at home on Nov. 18 after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born in Leighton, Alabama as Ellen Anise Blythe on Nov. 25, 1936. She grew up in Leighton, where she graduated Salutatorian of the class of 1954, and then attended the University of Tennessee. She met her husband, Albert Basse, on a college trip to Bermuda. They married and moved to Providence, Rhode Island while Albert finished his education at Brown University. They raised their five children in Abington and Easton, and she was a summer resident of Marion for nearly 40 years before making it her permanent home in 2009.

Her family was her biggest priority, and that family extended beyond blood. So many called her “grandmommy”, and lit up whenever they saw her. She was a voracious reader, and enjoyed the beach, dancing, and gardening. Music, laughter and love followed her everywhere. She was also an astute business woman. After her husband’s death in 1976, she stepped in as owner, treasurer, and CEO of Albert Basse Associates, Inc. and successfully ran the company, along with her sons, until just a few weeks before her death.

Ellen was the wife of the late Albert Basse Jr. and Col. Arthur H. Dietz, and the daughter of Eugene V. and Shirley (Preuit) Blythe. She is survived by her five children, Deborah Basse Ewing and her husband Michael Meachen of Marion, Lynda Basse D'Amico and Patrick D’Amico of North Attleboro, Albert “Chip” Basse, III and his wife Deborah, Edwin E. Basse and his wife Angela, and Christopher J. Basse and his wife Pamela, all of North Easton; four step-children Nonie Garvey and her husband Mark, Arthur T. Dietz and his partner Rhonda all of Idaho, Peggy Pietig and her husband John of Laguna Beach, California and Eric Dietz and his wife Renee of Washington; four siblings, Emily Lidikay of Birmingham, Gregg P. Blythe of Decatur, Alabama, Robert Blythe of Birmingham, Alabama and Richard Blythe of Hartselle, Alabama; a brother-in-law, David Merchant of Dallas, Texas and 24 adoring grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was the sister of the late Eugene “Sonny” Blythe, and the sister in law of the late Nancy Merchant and Barbara Coffee.

Ellen will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her warm energy, and positive attitude for life. She’ll be greatly missed, but her light will continue to shine in all those who knew her.

Her funeral service was held on Monday, Nov. 23 at Tabor Academy’s Wickenden Chapel. Burial followed in Old Landing Cemetery. Arrangements by Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home For Funerals, 50 County Road, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Community Nurse and Hospice Care, P.O. Box 751, Fairhaven, MA 02719.