Judith M. Gress, 85, Farmington, MN, formerly of Glendive, MT, passed away on March 23, 2025.

Judith Ulfers was born November 29, 1939, in Beach, ND to Donald and Helen (Kippley) Ulfers. Judy was the second of four children and spent her childhood on the family farm north of Beach where she developed a strong work ethic that remained with her throughout her life.  She attended country school in Lapla Township and graduated from Beach High School in 1957.  Judy attended Dickinson State Teacher's College in Dickinson, ND and earned a teaching degree in 1959.  Following her graduation, she worked as a fifth-grade teacher in Glendive, MT where she met her husband, Terrence (Terry) Gress. Judy and Terry were united in marriage on August 11, 1962, at St. John's Catholic Church in Beach, ND.

Judy continued to work in the Glendive school system for 40 years until her retirement in 1999.  (However, she never truly retired from teaching and continued to volunteer and substitute until 2020).  She loved teaching and working with kids.  She was tough but fair and always inspired her students to do their best and show respect to others.  Judy did the same with her own children.  As a railroad spouse, Judy raised four kids almost single handedly.  She managed to do it all seamlessly which was a testament to her hard work and dedication to her family.

Judy and Terry moved from Glendive to Billings, MT where they enjoyed their retirements until Terry's death in 2002.

Judy moved to Farmington, MN in 2004 and truly "bloomed where she was planted".  She spent another 15 years working in the Farmington school system where she got to help students, learn new technology and visit with her local granddaughters.  Judy otherwise spent her "retirement" traveling, babysitting her grandkids, visiting with friends, playing cards, baking, reading, fixing puzzles, walking her dog and watching sports on tv.  More than anything she enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids.  She was so proud of how they all turned out, which was a testament to her parenting skills and many prayers!

Judy had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers and a large garden when she lived in Glendive.  She lovingly maintained a Christmas Cactus her son Paul brought home from school in 1969 which is still alive today! She was also a talented seamstress who could make or repair anything requested of her and her sewing machine.  Judy was an amazing cook and baker who rarely followed an exact recipe when creating legendary and memorable meals and desserts from scratch.  She could remember everyone's favorite birthday cake or dessert and thoughtfully baked them throughout the years.

Judy was a pillar of faith and never missed weekly mass until her health prevented her from attending.  She was a selfless, kind and loving mother, grandmother and friend who inspired others to be kind and live their best lives.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Judy is survived by her children Paul Gress (Holly), Wahpeton, ND, Mary Beth Freeh (Randy), Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Todd Gress, Littleton, CO and Cathy Gress Springer (Troy), Farmington, MN; her grandchildren Cory, Travis and Kelsey Gress, Carissa Knab, Craig Freeh and Claire Freeh, Maddi and Abby Springer, four great-grandchildren, her sister Jeanette (Ross) Hayden, Abita Springs, LA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Terry, sister Jeanne Roth and brother Jim Ulfers.

A memorial service will be held in Glendive, MT at a later date.