The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

“So, you’re the new DeEtta,” a customer said Tuesday as he slid into the barber chair at the Cathlamet Barber Shop.

“I should probably look in the mirror so I can show you how DeEtta did it,” he said.

The new barber, Christeena Bassi, said she is enjoying getting to know the customers who received haircuts from DeEtta Funderburg for a decade.

At the end of June, Bassi, who is 30, completed the yearlong course of study for a cosmetology license, and has purchased the Cathlamet Barber Shop from Funderburg.

The barbershop, a landmark on Main Street, will remain a men’s barbershop.

“That was my deal with DeEtta,” Bassi said.

Funderburg contacted Bassi and encouraged her to go to cosmetology school.

“I was a waitress at the Duck Inn, and I loved my customers,” Bassi said, noting that the switch feels natural.

She likes to see the men gossip and visit as they wait for their turns. She intends to leave the shop the way it was and keep the same hours. She does have women customers, as Funderburg did, but she is encouraging them to come later in the day, so that men aren’t kept waiting if the woman’s hair cut is more complicated.

The shop décor feels the same, except for the mounted antlers that Funderburg took home.

“I’ve got the word out to all my hunters, that I need some horns.” Bassi said. “If they’re mounted nice, I’ll use them.”

Editor's note: The Eagle requested an interview with DeEtta Funderburg for this story, but she declined.