Ella Andregg November 11, 1924 - September 19, 2021

Ella Andregg

On September 19, 2021 Sarah Ella Andregg passed away peacefully at her Boise home surrounded by her family.  Mom was born in Hailey, Idaho on November 11, 1924 to George and Ella Stewart. She was the second of eight siblings.  What a life she lived as a child growing up in that area!  Life at the “old home place” was, as Mom would always refer to it, the “happiest times”.  An excellent horsewoman, Mom frequently rode over the hills and canyons on her beloved mustang Mowitza to visit her grandmother, who lived on Willow Creek out of Fairfield (approximately 20 miles round trip from the home place on Rock Creek).  She attended school in a one-room schoolhouse and had many stories to tell us of those school days. Among many other talents, she was a creative storyteller and would entertain her siblings and others with her stories.

As a young woman she worked on the telephone switchboard in Hailey, taking calls for soldiers returning from World War II who were recovering at the Naval Hospital in Ketchum.  She also placed calls for celebrities such as Bing Crosby and Gary Cooper who would come into the telephone office.

While living in Hailey she and a girlfriend spotted a couple of out of town young men driving through town and Mom is said to have exclaimed to her friend as she spotted the handsome, dark-haired driver (Paul Andregg): “Him for me when I grow up.”  They met, fell in love, and were married on March 4, 1947.  Three daughters were born to that union.  While Paul (our Dad) was hauling logs and/or lumber, Mom maintained her home and yard and raised the girls.  She never failed to support us and was actively involved in school activities, including performing as Chip or Dale in one of the PTA theatrical presentation.  Mom was patient with her daughters and never scolded us…and there were times she probably should have! When Dad purchased a Texaco and Conoco station, his partner (Mom) would do the books, detail cars, clean restrooms, and help Dad with other projects at his service station. Upon Dad’s retirement, he and Mom traveled around the country, including Alaska and Hawaii.  A lifelong New York Yankees fan, she had several opportunities to see them play in Washington and California; but it was a dream come true when she got to go to a game at old Yankee Stadium. That visit was later followed by sitting in prime seats at the Kentucky Derby—a bucket list item.  Another dream fulfilled was a trip to Scotland to visit the birthplace in Nairn of her father.

Mom was a terrific fisherman—her favorite spot was, of course, near the “home place”.  We had to get there early so she could “sneak up” on those little trout.  Prior to COVID, we made at least one annual trip back to that little creek…and not often did we come home empty handed.  She made beautiful afghans for friends and family; she was always up for a card game and hard to beat.  There was always some bickering as to who got to be Mom’s partner in a game of pinochle!  She was still playing cards and beating us as recent as a few months ago.  One side note:  She would sometimes make fun of her cooking, but she made the best fudge and the best gravy!  When Mom would have dinner guests, she never failed to send them home with a “care” package to enjoy later.  When asked her age, Mom would reply and proudly say (always with a big smile): “I do my own housework and I take care of my own yard”.   And she did!

Besides her love for her family, Mom’s other true passion was a deep love and understanding of animals.  For instance, few others could ride Mowitza…many tried but failed.  Mom was for sure a dog whisperer.  She loved dogs and passed that love of all animals on to her daughters.  Whatever little creature we would bring home (chickens, cats, guinea pigs, and more), Mom loved and cared for them.

Mom was always up for adventure and brought light and joy to any gathering.  Although family was the most important thing to her, she had the rare ability to make a lasting impression on everyone she met.  She just loved people.  She was a trustworthy, selfless friend and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  Her popularity was never more apparent than by the overwhelming attendance of friends and family at her large and festive 80^th and 90^th birthdays.

In summary, Mom was a beautiful, witty, generous, and sometimes a wee bit stubborn woman.  She had the most beautiful smile and laugh.  She never complained.  She just plain loved us and the life she’d been given!   Hers was indeed a life well lived.

Mom was preceded in death by the love of her life, Paul Andregg.  She is survived by her daughters:  Kathy Andregg (her “sidekick”), Jacque Mink (Brad), and Toni Rohm as well as a grandson and his wife (Paul Riker Mink and Libby) and two great grandchildren (JB and Riker); a brother (Robert Stewart); her sisters, Mary Tews and Kathryn (Katie) Cox; and sister-in-law (Esther McCluskey).  She also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and cousins who have expressed how much they loved hearing Mom’s stories, which often left them wondering if the story was real…or made up.  And finally, Mom is survived by her faithful little Yorkie, Huckleberry, as well as several other “granddoggers”.

The family wishes to thank both the caregivers at Horizon and Homewatch for their care, support, and kindness over the past several months.  We are also so grateful for our neighbors and friends who have reached out and helped us during Mom’s illness.  We are so lucky to have had such wonderful people in our lives!

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Dry Creek Cemetery.

Due to COVID restrictions, we are delaying a full celebration of Mom’s life until a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Fuzzy Pawz Rescue, Happy Jack Cats, Inc., or the charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family on Bowman’s webpage.