Judith A. Miller-Basher

Judith “Judy” A. Miller-Basher, 81, of Warroad, MN, formerly of Backoo, ND, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Warroad Senior Living Center in Warroad, MN. A private graveside Memorial will be held this summer.

Judith “Judy” Miller-Basher was born March 31, 1943, in Fargo, ND, the daughter of Michael and Dorothy Miller.

Judy did many things in her life that she was very proud of from pumping gas and washing windshields on a stepstool at Stevenson Gas Station, to serving up your favorite treat at DQ. Judy also worked at MCI where she installed electrical components in the buses for many years. That is also where she met her late husband, Kenny Basher. Out of all things, Judy was a nurturer at heart. Her passion was taking care of others, which was evident through her work at nursing facilities in her younger years to caring for her adult foster children, Daisy Poppenhagen, Mary Lala, and the late Steven Reck in her later years.

Judy enjoyed many things. If you didn’t find her outside tending to her garden and flowers, you might find her inside canning, crocheting, or sewing doll clothes for her daughters. She spent many hours sewing her daughter Revel’s first prom dress and scrubbing grass stains out of her son’s football uniform. Judy loved to cook and bake; she always had a pot of coffee ready for anyone who stopped over. She was known for her German dishes that she loved to spoil her family with. Judy also loved summer fishing at Lake of the Woods where she caught a 12-pound walleye that she was very proud of. Judy had a very special bond with her granddaughter Toni. She selflessly took Toni in for three months to take care of her while she was recovering from surgery. Judy had a very special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her children: Revel (Doug) Sapa, Cavalier, ND; Scott Heggestuen, Fargo, ND; John (Stacey) Schlittenhard, Deridder, LA; and Becky (Tony) Thompson, Warroad, MN; grandchildren: Nicolle (Nathan) Kemnitz, Tiffani Byrd-Sapa, Ryder Heggestuen, John Robert Schlittenhard, Bryan (Joelynn) Schlittenhard, David Schlittenhard, Caleb Schlittenhard, and Padyn Thompson; seven great-grandchildren; and sister Jan Pellis. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Kenny; parents; granddaughter Toni Sapa, and twelve brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Phelan-McDermid Syndrome Foundation at https://donate.pmsf.org/for/2wfdne/