Stella Anne Basta

Stella Anne Basta passed away on March 22, 2026, in Walla Walla, WA, at the age of 94.

She was born on July 13, 1931, the tenth of eleven children, to Joseph and Caterina Basta. Stella spent nearly her entire life in Walla Walla, with the exception of a brief period working in Seattle. She was deeply rooted in her family’s heritage as the daughter of Italian immigrants who farmed Walla Walla sweet onions, living on the family farm for 76 years, from 1931 to 2007.

Devoted to her family, Stella lovingly cared for her mother, who was blind, until her mother’s passing in 1986. She took great pride in her community and her Italian heritage.

She graduated from St. Vincent Academy in 1949, where she was an outstanding student, even taking physics—a subject uncommon for girls at the time. She participated in the St. Francis choir, the National Honor Society, and served as Junior Class Vice President. She later earned an Associate of Arts degree from Walla Walla Community College in 1982 at the age of 51, excelling in her coursework and earning mostly A grades, as reflected in the papers she carefully preserved.

Stella built a career marked by precision and intellect. She worked as a legal administrative assistant and legal secretary at the Makus Law Firm and later as a research assistant at the Fort Walla Walla Museum, known for her exacting standards and for consistently bringing excellence to her work.

A lifelong parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Stella’s family were founding members of the parish in 1915.

She was deeply private and independent, thoughtful and introspective, and valued her close relationships. Stella shared a special bond with her younger sister, Dolores, with whom she spent six weeks in 1947 in the care of local sisters while their parents traveled to Italy, a memory they cherished. She also remained close to her older sister, Angie, whose death in 1950 was a profound loss. Throughout her life, Stella remained devoted to her family, drawing comfort from her faith after her father’s passing in 1956, and she prayed the rosary each day during that difficult time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Caterina Basta, and nine of her siblings. She is survived by her younger sister, Dolores DiMento, and her husband Joe, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Stella will be remembered as a loyal and generous friend, with a sharp intellect, keen wit, and a love of sewing, crafts, and nature photography.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 12:30 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 722 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.