Basso

Melaena Melody Basso, 63, of Slippery Rock died at 2:30 a.m. Saturday at her home.

Born in Santa Monica, Calif., Dec. 15, 1944, she was the daughter of Daniel and Mildred Butner Preciado.

Earlier in life, she enjoyed working as a waitress. She was a proud mother and provided stellar child care for many local families.

In addition, she expressed her artistic side with her home-based business, Crafts by Melsena.

She is survived by her husband, Lawrence "Larry" Robert Basso, who she married April 1, 1967; two daughters, Michelle M. Basso of Fripp Island, S.C., and Tiffany M. Piccione and her husband, Michael, of King of Prussia; two sons, Daniel I. Basso and his wife, Maura, of New Wilmington and James M. Basso of Fripp Island; a stepson, Robert L. Basso of San Bruno, Calif.; an eagerly expected grandchild; and two step-granddaughters, Kaylee and Tammy Basso.

She was preceded in death by a brother, James.

<B>BASSO</B> — Friends of Melsena Melody Basso, who died Saturday, May 24, 2008, will be received from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the <B>Smith Funeral Home</B>, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock. A memorial service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the Rev. Albert Stuart, pastor of the Highland Presbyterian Church, officiating.Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053; www.bchs.petfinder.com.