Obituary: Judith Wills

Judith Ann (Heiller) Wills, 83, born in Ocheyedan, Iowa, passed peacefully into heaven surrounded by family on Nov. 14, 2024, in Cloquet.

She was a loving, caring and strong mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who taught us all what those qualities really meant. She was a champion in fighting for better conditions for handicapped children and to bring them back into local homes instead of institutions. She dedicated her own life to caring for her handicapped daughter for 40 years. Her joy was spending time with family as much as possible, and her puppy Ellie.

Those surviving Judy are her sister Kathryn Smith; brother Mike Heiller; daughters, Terri Wills, Lorri (Bill) Werner, and Toni (John Merritt) LaFave; grandchildren, Jenn (Doug) Dupuis, Carla (Rusty Van Hoever) Werner, Will (Megan) Werner, Mike (Ashley) LaFave, Josh (Amanda) LaFave; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Those who preceded in death Judy were her parents, Floyd and Ruby (Fink) Heiller; baby sister, Constance; brother Paul Heiller; and great-granddaughter Arayah LaFave.

Judy's family asks that she be remembered for the love and joy she brought to them and others in life, not the sadness that comes with her passing.

A private family Celebration of Life will be held in the spring.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 29, 2024