The following obit is here with permission of the Challis Messenger, in Challis, Idaho.
Elza Mary Piva
Elza Mary Piva, 76, passed away on
Monday, October 27, 2003 in Emmett,
Idaho. She was born on the East Fork of
the Salmon River on August 6, 1927, the
youngest of five children born to Antonio
and Dominica (Delrey) Yacomella.
She grew up on the East Fork of the
Salmon River and attended East Fork
elementary, Jr. High in Clayton and
graduated from the Challis High School
with the class of 1946.
On October 8, 1946 Elza was united in
marriage to Bruno Piva in Hamilton,
Montana in a double ring ceremony along
with her sister Minnie, who married
George Yacomella. To this union five
children were born: Marilyn, Joe, Dan, Mike and John. Bruno and Elza made
their home at the ranch northeast of Challis for 57 years.
Elza dearly enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She shared her
home with many nieces and nephews and everyone else's children. Her
grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life, and she
traveled on many occasions to watch them participate in their activities and
events.
At election time she was faithfully there year after year to help out. She was an
active member of the Saint Louise Catholic Church. In her spare time she
enjoyed bowling, playing cards, crocheting, gardening and cooking. The
cookie jar was never empty at her house.
Her week often started out with a Sunday afternoon drive to the East Fork
with a picnic.
She will be dearly missed by her family and her many longtime friends.
She is survived by her husband Bruno of Challis; daughter Marilyn Qualls and
her husband Dean of Emmett, Idaho, four sons: Joe Piva and his wife, Linda
of Challis, Dan Piva and his wife, Cheryl of Rathdrum, Idaho, Mike Piva of
Challis, John Piva and his wife, Kathy of Challis; 13 grandchildren: Dennis
Qualls of Twin Falls, Etta, Tim, and Anna Qualls all of Emmett, Jennifer Piva
of Challis, Victorio Piva of Boise, Idaho, Kelsey and Dylan Piva of Rathdrum,
Idaho, Josh Franks of Boise, Chelsea Piva of Challis, ZhohnAnn, BreeAnn
and Kaden Piva of Challis; two great-grandchildren: Ruger and Rowdy Jarvis;
one sister, Minnie Yacomella of Challis and one brother Tony Severino
Yacomella and his wife, Madge of Challis, many nieces and nephews, other
relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Tony (in infancy)
and Cleto Yacomella.
Mass of Christian Burial was conducted from the Living Waters Ranch of
Challis on Monday, November 3 with Reverend Paul Wander officiating.
Interment was in the Challis Cemetery following the services.
Visitation and Rosary was Sunday, November 2 at the St. Louise Catholic
Church of Challis.
A memorial fund has been established in Elza's memory at the Wells Fargo
Bank of Challis, or to your favorite charity.
Arrangements were under the direction of Jones & Casey Funeral Home of
Salmon.
Note: I am of no relation, but my sympathies go out to those of you who are.
This is here as a lasting memorial for Mrs. Piva.