Granton’s Honored Citizens, Keith and Mary Bass, enjoy a special spot in the 2009 Granton

The Granton Rotary Club selected Keith and Mary Bass as the 2009 Fall Fest Honored Citizens. Their nomination was submitted by the Zion Ladies aid in Granton.

Keith and Mary were married May 1, 1976, opening weekend of the fishing season.  Mary joked, “I caught the biggest Bass that day!”  Keith and Mary met while roller-skating with friends. They have three grown children, Michele (Gordon Jr) Rundle, Katie Bass and Laura Bass.  They also have two grandchildren, Gordon Rundle III and Emily Rundle.

Keith and Mary own and operate a 477 acres farm just down the road from where Keith grew up. The home they live in was built by Keith’s father. The primary production of their farm is corn, hay and oats.  Keith also milks 36 cows.

Keith grew up in Granton, graduating from Granton High School in 1969.  He is very involved in the community and a very active member of the Granton FFA Alumni.  He is instrumental in the “Nuts and Bolts” sale, was the “1/2 Manager” for the Alumni Old Timers Team and has continually come to the aid of his fellow neighbors and friends in their time of need.  He was also awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award in 2008 for his outstanding involvement.

Mary grew up in Marshfield, graduating from Marshfield Senior High School in 1970.  Mary grew up on a hobby farm where her main responsibilities were housework and gardening. Gardening is still one of Mary’s hobbies.  Mary worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital until Keith’s dad had hip surgery.  She then quit working to help with chores on the farm.  In recent years, Mary worked as a part-time custodian at Granton Schools for about four years until her health made it difficult to continue there.  Mary is also an active member of the Romadka Daisies Homemakers, which is very active in community service projects, such as the Easter egg hunt, Santa Claus program and local fundraising benefits.

Both Keith and Mary have been instrumental in giving back to their community.  From cooking at banquets, to donating food and gift cards to the food pantry, to hauling cattle for neighbors in need, to supporting school-community events, the Basses are a true example of selflessness.

“Neighbors help neighbors,” Keith said.  “That’s why we love Granton. People care in Granton. People come to help when people are in need,” added Mary.

Keith and Mary’s giving attitude has blessed many people throughout the community.  Recently, the Basses won $25,000 through the General Mills Box Tops for Education program. They knew immediately the school would be the recipient of those funds.  As a way of thanking Mary, she was given a basket full of General Mills goodies and several gift cards.  Mary donated her General Mills basket to a pancake feed in the community and one of her gift cards to the Granton Food Pantry.

Mary is currently knitting hats, mittens and scarves to donate to the Clark County Angel Tree, area mitten trees and other children in need.

The Zion Ladies Aid stated, “Mary is a great supporter of school, church and community.  If she or Keith is called upon to help with a project, they will be there.”

Modest is the best way to sum up both Keith and Mary.  When asked how Mary felt when she learned about being the 2009 Honored Citizens she said, “I thought it was really neat, kind of nice.”  When Mary told Keith of their honor, he said, “What did we do?”  Their giving nature, their selflessness is evident in everything they do.  “Friends and neighbors are supposed to help.  That’s just what we do,” he said. 

As Granton’s 2009 Honored Citizens, Keith and Mary Bass led the 59^th Granton fall Festival Parade this past Sunday, Sept 13 – a very deserving honor for two outstanding community members.

Sarah Elmhorst, a long-time Granton teacher, summed it up best as she commented, “Mary and Keith are great supporters of school, church and community.”