John is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer providing caring funeral service since 1985. John is also a Navy veteran and attended the Defense Language Institute where he studied Spanish. His college Degrees include a Bachelors Degree from Southern California College and an Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from Cypress College where he was awarded the "Ma Green" award for outstanding achievement in cosmetics and restorative art. John was honored by the California Funeral Directors Association as the "Outstanding Young Funeral Director of the Year" in 1992. Before transferring to Bakersfield in 1994, John was involved in management with Pierce Brothers Mortuaries and Cemeteries in Ventura County. John left his position as Vice President and General Manager of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary and Mish Funeral Homes in May of 2000 and founded Basham Funeral Care.

RuthAnn graduated from Pacific Christian College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and Biblical Studies. She has taught at the elementary, Junior High and High School level and has been a coach/student advisor. RuthAnn owned and operated a children’s retail store for several years and sold it when she and John were expecting their first child. Since moving to Bakersfield, she has been a substitute teacher for Panama Buena Vista Unified School District. Actively involved with the Women’s Fellowship Group at RiverLakes Community Church, RuthAnn enjoys leading music and coordinating special events.

John and RuthAnn have three children, Devon (21) is a third year student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo majoring in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. He enjoys intramural sports and being the Vice President for his fraternity, Sigma Nu. Paige (17) is a senior in High School and active with her church youth group. She is a philanthropist at heart and has raised thousands of dollars for Link to Life, The Bakersfield Rescue Mission and the American Cancer Society. Dylan (15) is a high school freshman and enjoys soccer, skating and music. He is also an aspiring artist with a creative talent for drawing, cooking and building.

Our family is committed to providing your family with dignified and affordable funeral care without compromise. Your family may call us any time 24 hours a day.