Mrs. Karen Renee Oliver Bassett, age 53, of Visalia, CA, formerly of Cedartown, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2012. She was born on June 3, 1958. She was the daughter of the late Mr. Cecil Oliver and Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver.

Renee was a very bright child who loved to learn, she often called herself a sponge when it came to learning new things. Whether it was business, computers, home decorating or cooking. Renee graduated from Cedartown High School where she was active in the band and the president of the Future Business Leaders of America. After graduation she earned her BA degree majoring in business; while working full time at several companys in Cedartown. Before gaining her degree she went to work for Smurfit Paper Company where she advanced from office work to shipping manager, then sales. It was with her job in sales, she moved from Cedartown to Los Angeles where she was in charge of Western Regional Sales. Through mutual friends in Visalia she met Jon Bassett. The two were married and Renee left her position in sales to move to Visalia where she ran the office for their farming operation, Bassett Farms Inc. Renee was involved in all day to day business decisions. Renee and her best friend Jon loved to travel and their adventures took them places such as, New York, Fiji, Jamaica and Mexico, but what Renee loved most was traveling to the Hawaiian Islands or just running away to the central coast.

She enjoyed facebook, connecting with many friends and family in Georgia and many friends she loved in her new home of California. Renee and Jon spent much of their time with family and friends, but the time she most loved was time spent with her beloved children and grandchildren who she adored. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and friend, whose beautiful smile and warm light no longer shines upon us, but will forever shine with us in our heart and in heaven, where she joins her beloved daddy Cecil who preceded her into the arms of the Lord.

Renee is survived by her husband, Jon Bassett; mother, Elizabeth Oliver; children, Scott McDurmon (Amanda) and Stancie Kinser (Eric); grandchildren, Chandler, Blake, Kaydence and Alexa; brother, Jeff Oliver and sisters, Michelle Atkins (Jeff) and Bonita Ross.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the out pouring of love and support during Renee's unrelenting battle. Her strength is inspiring, her grace never failing.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society, SPCA, 200 W. Emery Street, Suite 3, Dalton, GA 30720 or any donations of your choice in Renee's name.

The funeral service for Renee will be conducted on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at two o'clock in the afternoon in the Chapel of the Gammage Funeral Home.

Interment will follow in the Northview Cemetery.

The family of Renee will receive family and friends on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from six o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock in the evening at the Gammage Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held in Visalia at a later date.

Please express your condolences to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mrs. Karen Renee Oliver Bassett.