Rosemary Katherine Basler Hooks, 95, Hazen, Arkansas passed away on July 29, 2021. Born May 2, 1926 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Frank Joseph Basler and Rosa Yanker Basler, she graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1943. After working at First State Bank as a bookkeeper, on May 9, 1950, she married Edward D. Hooks of Slovak, Arkansas, who preceded her in death in 2002. She was a parishioner of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church for 71 years and a pillar of the community. She is survived by brother, Ben Basler of Wisconsin, seven children, 11 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Children: Dan (Paula) Hooks, Hazen, Ar., Beth Lewis, Hot Springs, Ar.; Sr. Susan Hooks, OSB Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, Indiana; Edward Hooks, Pea Ridge, Arkansas, Paul (Carol) Hooks, Stuttgart, Ar., Janet (Bruce) McDaniel, Broken Arrow, Ok., Sarah Berryman, Pea Ridge, Ar.
Strong in her Catholic faith, Rosemary had a special devotion to Mary and always kept a rosary handy. With a willing spirit, busy hands, and a giving heart, she loved her family and full house at family gatherings. She had a green thumb and loved flowers, her garden and sharing plants. She also loved music, baking bread and trying new recipes as she fed the multitudes. She loved to travel and never met a stranger as she could “talk to a fence post”.
Sister Paschaline, OND, her high school teacher described Rosemary in the 1943 Sacred Heart yearbook, “She hath a natural wise—sincerity”. An avid reader and letter writer, she had a remarkable memory and loved telling stories. Into her 90’s, she sang songs from childhood, recalled names and recited poems from her school days. Raised during the Great Depression, her thriftiness and “can-do” spirit were evident in one of her many adages, “Waste not, want not.”
Rosemary served in the parish altar Society as president, the Catholic Youth Organization and Parish Council. She was a 4-H group leader and a member of the Prairie County Extension Homemakers Club. A volunteer for the Hazen Library, she was on the Library board in 1965 that spearheaded a 1% tax for the Prairie County library that passed. In 1970’s she was a docent at the Grand Prairie Agricultural Museum, Stuttgart, Ar.
She treasured her Morrilton family and friends, enjoyed family reunions on Petite Jean Mountain and was the “go-to” for family ties and memories. Sharp witted, she held her own in conversations with intellectuals to children from all walks of life, often with humor and wise sayings from her own parents.
Visitation is Sunday, August 1, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. in the Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. Funeral mass officiated by Rev. Shaun Wesley on Monday at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Holy Rosary School in Stuttgart or Sacred Heart School in Morriliton.
Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
What a wonderful woman, mother and community presence. We give the entire family our deepest sympathy. She created such a strong family, may all your memories keep her close to you all the time.
All are in our thoughts and prayers,
Dan, Annamarie and Nicole Mellett
Sending sincere condolences to Ms. Rosemary’s family and friends.
She was always such a sweet soul. She used to go to Branson with a group of church ladies from Des Arc. My Mom always went too and spoke of her kindly. Hugs and prayers for her family and friends.
I had the privilege and pleasure of serving as the mailman for Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hooks from 1989 to 1996. I have fond memories of them. As leading citizens of Prairie County, their legacies will be cherished by all who knew them. May God’s Word and His Holy Spirit (the “Comforter”) provide strength, comfort, and assurance to this wonderful family.
My sympathy and prayers for Rosemary and all of the family. She was a treasure and wonderful example to us all. I am so sorry not to be there to join y’all in the celeb of her life. May she Rest In Peace. May the Lord bring comfort to the family in this time of sorrow. In Jesus name I pray. Amen
My heart goes out to Mrs. Rosemary’s family & friends. She was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed by all. She raised an amazing family and was surely so proud of each of you. I am keeping you all in my prayers.
My sincere condolences to the family of Rosemary Hooks. What a sweet, lovely lady! I remember I was always so impressed that she was so beautifully dressed for church. I had the pleasure of talking to her in 2018 at the Slovak Heritage Day. I treasure a photo of her with me & my sister on that occasion.
She became a true part of the Slovak community as if she had been born into it. What a blessing her life was to all who knew her! May she rest in eternal peace.
To all the members of the Hooks family, I extend my sympathy and love. Your mother was truly a blessing in your lives. I know each of you will have wonderful and happy memories which will bring you comfort and peace.
I attended some of the Slovak Heritage Days and I always looked for your mother as I loved visiting with her. So joyful and interesting. God bless all of you and your mother, who is now joining your father in peace and happiness.
We were saddened to hear of Rosemary’s death and want to express our deepest condolences to the family during this tough time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed. She was always so gracious and pleasant and willing to do anything for us. She was a wonderful person! I know she is having fun with Steve and Eleanor Yanker in Heaven right now!
We wish you strength and peace during this hard time and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
My sisters and I wanted very much to attend and say good-bye but fear of the raging Covid virus gave us pause. Just know that we are thinking of her and all the family and praying for you all.
May Rosemary Rest In Peace.
Jerry and Ara Yanker. Mary Frances Kremers, Carolyn Wenger and Marilyn Powers
My deepest symphony for you on the loss of your mother. She was an amazing woman, mother, and wife. I always enjoyed talking to her and hearing stories about her family. May she Rest In Peace. I am sorry I can’t attend her service today but you will be in my thoughts and prayers….