Judy Bass Van Dao

Judy Bass Van Dao passed away peacefully at Walker Place in Shelbyville, Indiana, on March 25, 2022. Born May 8, 1940, Judy was the daughter of Raymond M. Bass and Marie Crosby Bass of Fairland. Judy graduated from Waldron High School in 1958. She attended Purdue University for two and a half years before transferring to Ball State University. She graduated from Ball State with a degree in Medical Technology. Judy was employed at Thornton Hammond for three years before moving to Hawaii in 1965, where she worked at Sun Towers Hospital. While in Hawaii, Judy met her husband, Hoa Van Dao, in 1967. They were married in 1968 and celebrated 45 years of marriage before Hoa’s passing on October 19, 2013. In 1969 Judy and Hoa moved to El Paso, Texas, where Judy worked at William Beaumont Army Medical Center, from which she retired after 20 years. She is survived by her only child, Michael Raymond Van Dao, her beloved Shih Tzu Molly, and her sister Ann B. McDaniel, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hoa Van Dao, her sister Allene B. Eiler, and her brothers Marsten R. Bass, Dwight S. Bass, and Dwain J. Bass. Judy loved to travel and enjoyed horseback riding, Purdue football, and decorating. She was a friend to nature and animals. A gathering of friends and family will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, at Waldron Methodist Church, 202 W. Washington St. in Waldron. A celebration of Judy’s life will be at 11 a.m. at the church, followed by a meal at 12:30 p.m. Please RSVP by leaving a message at 317/512-1145, by noon on Wednesday. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. The family extends special thanks to the staff of Walker Place and to Kindred Hospice.