Shelia Basinger (Cunningham), 67, passed away on Feb. 21, 2025, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Born on February 22, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Shelia spent her life dedicated to her family, her passions, and the many friendships she cultivated along the way. She was a beloved wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend to many.
Shelia shared a deep and loving partnership with her husband, Kevin Basinger. Together, they ran multiple small businesses while also embracing their shared love for animals. Her passion for dogs led her to become an accomplished breeder and exhibitor of champion Bichon Frise and Toy Poodles. She reached the pinnacle when she participated in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Feb. 22, 1957 – Feb. 21, 2025
Dog Show.
Her love for Toy Poodles introduced her to one of her dearest friends, Louise Rawleigh. The two were fixtures in the toy poodle community, traveling countless miles together while competing in dog shows across the country— an experience they both cherished deeply.
Beyond her dedication to the dog show world, Shelia found joy in gardening and reading. She also loved traveling and made it a priority to visit family and friends as often as possible.
She is survived by her husband, Kevin Basinger; her son, Justin Mc-Clure; her daughter-inlaw, Alexis McClure; her grandchildren, Mason and Violet McClure; her father Charles and his wife Carolyn Cunningham, and her brothers, Steven and Jerry Cunningham. She was preceded in death by her mother, Tressie (Tate) Cunningham; and her brother, Wesley Cunningham.
Shelia’s warmth and enthusiasm for life touched all who knew her. Her memory will live on through the love she shared with family and friends and the legacy she built within the dog show community.
