Emaline Ester Ayarza

Emaline (Emmy) Ester Ayarza was born April 11, 1951 in Burley, Idaho to Donald R. and Ester M. Race as the youngest of their first four children, Ron (Butch), Diana, and Susan. At the time, they lived and farmed in Murtaugh, ID where she was joined by a younger sibling, Calvin. Approximately 6 years later the family bought a ranch in Bliss, where years later two younger siblings, Denver and ShyAnn were added to the family.  Emmy grew up, went to school, and met her husband while building lifelong held stories on the ranch, carrying on adventures with her siblings, horses, and a myriad of other animals she cared for and loved.

 She married Miguel Ayarza in 1967.  As a new housewife, she graduated high school and soon afterwards moved to Burns, Oregon where their first son Juan was born in 1969.   Emmy continued growing her family with a second son Donald (Tony) in 1976 as well as her education, achieving a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  She was also talented musically, writing and singing, even offered a record deal which she promptly declined to focus on her role as a new mother.  Emmy contributed in many different capacities while residing in Burns, Hines, and the greater Harney County area, owning her own business to bring the computer age to the remote rural area.  Later, she became the administrator for the Child Care Center and was named an Honorary member of the local Paiute Indian tribe.  All the while, her family remained a top priority, enjoying the everyday undertakings of life in the country as a housewife raising children.  Many accounts could be told from this time of Emmy’s life, some which family and friends may be aware and many others that are no doubt less known, personal, and original.

In 1999, Mike and Emmy sold their ranch in Harney to buy a ranch outside Nyssa, OR to be closer with her aging parents and other family.  Here, she started another business of her own providing Medical Coding and Office Administration services.   In the latter part of her life, she relocated to a residence in Parma, Idaho, spending time authoring several books ranging from science fiction to western and pioneer tales to prose and chronicles about life.

Emmy was preceded in death by her mother, father, sister and ex-husband.  She is survived by her life partner Tom Kofoed, both sons, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and one aunt.  She will be remembered by friends across Idaho and Oregon, finally being laid to rest at Lower Boise Cemetery in Parma, Idaho this coming spring.