Ranger Exes Memorial - The Faculty

DORA JANE BASKIN fondly known as "Miss Dora," died Sept. 1, 1962 in the Gorman Nursing Home following a lengthy illness, and was buried in the Elm Cemetery. She was the daughter of James Willis & Sarah Jeanette Bennett Baskin. Born June 3, 1885 at Jewell, near Gorman, TX, she moved to Gorman in the early 1900's and attended the Gorman schools and Hankins College. She was a member of the Gorman City Band in the 1910's. She did not attend school in Ranger, TX but she taught there in the elementary schools for a number of years. She was a sister to the late Henry Leroy Baskin, Sr., who was a principal at Cooper Elementary school and later was Dean of Ranger Jr. College. She retired from the teaching profession in 1950, having taught in Eastland and Comanche counties, and in Gorman and Ranger. Her first teaching job was at New Hope, near Gorman. One who was always interested in the community, she was an active member of the First Baptist Church, Eastern Star Lodge and the Excelsior Club. Survivors are one brother, Olan Baskin of Lamesa; one sister, Mrs. Virginia Smith of National City, CA; and a number of nieces and nephews. -- RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF HONOR AS TEACHER Miss Dora Baskin of Gorman and teacher in the Ranger Public Schools has recently received a Certificate of Honor stating that she has been chosen by her students as the best teacher in the United States. The certificate of honor is awarded by the Quiz Kids Program and Miles Laboratory as a feature of their Best Teacher Contest which is continuous. A letter written by a 1948-1949 4th grade pupil of Miss Baskin, Diane Ellis, gained for Miss Baskin the place of honor. Diane is the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Cecil Ellis. Mr. Ellis is the pastor of the First Methodist of Ranger. The certificate places Miss Baskin in the contest for a cash award or a paid vacation trip. A University of Texas graduate, Miss Baskin has taught for twenty- five years, in the Ranger Grade School. For the greater part of the time she has taught 4th grade. She lives in Ranger during the school months but returns to Gorman for her summers.