Ella Kristine McCauley

Ella Kristine McCauley passed away peacefully on October 13, 2017 surrounded by her daughters.

Ella was born February 18, 1928 in Oslo, Norway to Matts and Else Jansen. As her father was a ship’s carpenter, Else moved her daughter to her hometown of Haugesund, Norway. Matts was out to sea when WW II broke out and his ship supported the allies as ordered by Norway’s King. Else and Ella moved to Else’s brother’s farm during the war as the Germans occupied the town’s homes and buildings. Times were difficult during the war with food and clothing shortages, curfews, and constant oversite by the German occupiers. After the war Matts and Else divorced. In 1952, Else and Ella immigrated to the United States and Else married Arne Rommetvedt. They settled in Twin Falls where Arne managed the Twin Falls Feed and Ice Plant until it was sold.

In 1954, Ella married Willis Carlton Smith and they had two daughters, Carla Kristine and JoAnne Elizabeth. Carl died in a car accident in 1959 and Ella raised her girls alone until she married William (Bill) McCauley in 1980. Bill passed away in 1999.

Ella worked a number of years at the Idaho Department Store and, after she retired, was an active volunteer at the Twin Falls Visitor Center. Ella was an active and longtime member in Our Savior Lutheran Church where she enjoyed Women’s Bible studies and actively participated in the quilting circle that sent quilts to hospitals and people in need worldwide. She loved entertaining family and friends in her home. In earlier years she loved to sew and complete needlecraft projects. Ella loved to travel to Norway, places all over the U.S., and the Caribbean.

Ella is survived by her daughters, Carla Baer of Virginia and JoAnne Tietjens of Twin Falls; a step-sister Betty Zagel, cousin Gudrun Ziegler of Big Bear, California, several cousins and their families in Norway, and many nieces and nephews in the U.S.

A celebration of Ella’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at White Mortuary, 136 4th Ave. East, Twin Falls with Fr. Fred Elwood of Our Savior Lutheran Church officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A viewing for family and friends will take place on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at White Mortuary.

Services are under the direction of White Mortuary, Chapel by the Park, Twin Falls.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.whitemortuary.com.