Verna Basswood, age 73, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at her daughter's home surrounded by family and under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Verna Louise Bonga was born in Park Rapids, MN, on November 27, 1947, the daughter of John and Mary (Wadena) Bonga.  As a child, she grew up and attended school in the Ponsford, MN, area.  Verna married Rolland Basswood and the couple made their home in Ponsford and raised three children.  Following Rolland's death, Verna moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she lived for several years.  In 1996, she moved back to the White Earth Indian Reservation to be closer to her family.

Verna had a caring, generous, loving heart and always put others before herself.  She displayed great patience and loved helping others, forever seeing the good in everyone.  Verna loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  In her spare time, she enjoyed car rides, trips to the casino, crossword puzzles and reading romance novels.

Verna is survived by her children: Suzanne Basswood of Mahnomen, Rolland "Jude" Basswood (Sherry Bissonette) of Moorhead, MN, Rex Basswood, and Redfeather Sturdevant, both of White Earth, MN, and many grandchildren, & great- grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary; husband, Rolland; one son, John Bonga; two sisters; and six brothers.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, January 21, 2021, at 1 pm at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.  A time of gathering will take place one-hour prior.

Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available to the public due to COVID-19 restrictions.