Nancy K. Basham, 90, of Paducah, Kentucky, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah.
Nancy was born on April 8, 1936, in Paducah to the late Buford Miles and Vera Harris Miles. She was a graduate of Heath High School and went on to earn her nursing degree from Murray State University. She later moved to Owensboro to further her nursing training, where she met the love of her life, Billy G. Basham. Nancy and Billy shared 68 years of marriage. After spending four years in Owensboro, they returned home to Paducah, where they raised their two daughters.
Nursing was more than a career for Nancy; it was a way for her to care for and serve others, especially children. In 1966, she became the first school nurse for Paducah Public Schools. In 1971, she reached an important milestone in her career when she helped develop a program for the certification of school nurses in Kentucky. She also spent eight years working with Dr. Glen Chaney’s pediatric group. Nancy was a member of Heartland Church.
Nancy had a deep and abiding faith and a passion for studying the Bible, particularly Bible prophecy. In 1996, she traveled to Israel for an 11-day Bible study trip, an experience that further ignited her interest in biblical prophecy and remained one of her favorite trips throughout her life.
She also loved playing the piano, a talent she inherited from her mother, going on walks, enjoying a good dessert, and spending time with her family. Nancy was especially blessed to have both of her daughters living on either side of her on the family farm, allowing her to remain surrounded by those she loved most.
Her family finds peace and comfort in knowing where Nancy is today, at home with the Lord and Savior she loved and faithfully followed throughout her life.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 68 years, Billy G. Basham of Paducah; two daughters, Ginger (David) Moller of Paducah and Mindy (Jim) Paxton of Paducah; four grandchildren, Margaret Moller of Nashville, Tennessee, Katie Cronin of Paducah, Lauren (Jon) Baumgarten of Franklin, Tennessee, and Ryan Paxton of Nashville; and one great-granddaughter, Maddie Baumgarten.
Nancy’s family would like to extend a special thank you to her caregiver, Susan Riley, who spent countless hours by Nancy’s side providing devoted care and companionship, as well as the nurses and staff of Mercy Health Hospice for the compassionate care they provided.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations in Nancy’s honor to the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42003, or the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
There will be a private family service with Rev. Tim Davis officiating. There will be no public visitation.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah are in charge of arrangements.
