Ettia "Churchill" Pauline Larsen

Ettia Quintana Larsen left us on October 27, 2012 at the age of 97. While never large in stature, the loss of her huge spirit will leave an impossible hole to fill. Ettia was born on August 12, 1915 to Thomas and Celia Churchill, one of thirteen children. She married Mitchell Quintana on July 12, 1930, and on May 28, 1931 gave birth to a son, Thomas (Tommy) Quintana. Life in those early years was tough. Summers were spent in the Owyhee Mountains with the sheep, and winters were spent cooking for the lambing crews in Homedale. When Tommy was five days old, Ettia took him to the sheep camp and cared for a newborn while tending camp and living in a teepee tent, this at the ripe old age of 15. No wonder she was so tough. In 1963 Ettia and Mitchell divorced. On August 14, 1973, she married Elmer Larsen. Elmer was a breath of fresh air for Ettia, and their shared love of music made for a happy home. Unfortunately Elmer passed away in 1987, and Ettia continued to make her home in Homedale until 2008, when her health forced a move to Trinity Mission Health and Rehab in Nampa, where she resided until her death. She lost her daughter-in-law Deloris in 2008, and son Tommy passed away in 2010. Ettia is survived by her Grandchildren Larry (Ginger) Quintana of Winnemucca, NV, Sherry (Rod) Rhoades and Tim (Nikki) Quintana of Homedale, eight great-grandchildren and ten great-great-grandchildren. Grandma made a huge impact on everyone in our family, and on virtually anyone who ever knew her. She was the sweetest, most uncomplaining woman…. until someone messed with her kids. As Tommy used to say “dynamite comes in small packages”, and when protecting her own, she was dynamite. At her request, a private family interment will be held at Marsing-Homedale Cemetery, with a celebration of her life to be held at the Txoko Ona Basque Center in Homedale on November 17, 2012 at 4:00 PM. We will miss you, Grandma. Your indomitable spirit is an inspiration to us all. Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com Service Information