Elias A. Lete

Nampa - Elias A. Lete, 91, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on June 23, 2025, with his family by his side.

Elias was born February 7, 1934, at the Lesarri Goikua Baserri in Bergara, Guipuzkoa, Spain to Simon Lete and Dolores Arriola. He was the second youngest of ten siblings: Jose Mari, Domingo, Ramona, Benita, Josefa, Angela, Begoña, Pedro Jose and Arantxa. Though he worked hard from a young age, he often shared fond memories of his youth.

At the age of 18, Elias came to the U.S. for more opportunity. He herded sheep for his uncles in the Shoshone/Bellevue area for five years, then worked seasonally on a sheep ranch and in construction. He crushed his leg in a construction accident - an injury that affected him throughout his life. He was proud to become a US Citizen in 1959. That same year, Elias returned to the Basque Country with his brother, Domingo. He met Rosario (Rose) Inarra in 1960. They were married in a dual ceremony with Domingo and his wife, Maria, in a beautiful church in the mountains, Santuario de Arantzazu. The two couples celebrated their honeymoon on a cruise ship as they returned to the United States. Elias and Rose's son, Inaki, was born in Mountain Home. They settled in Nampa, where Elisabet, Ana Mari and Simon were born.

Elias worked at Armour's until his leg injury left him unable to return to work. Since he was a hard worker and handyman, Elias began his next career investing in rental properties. He also built a few homes, including his family home. He was a longtime member of the Boise Basque Center, Txoko Ona in Homedale, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, and St. Paul's Catholic Church in Nampa.

Elias loved spending time with family, going to the Livestock Sale Yard on Saturdays, playing Mus with his friends at the Basque Center, going to the mountains, fishing, and watching BSU games and bike races. Attending the Tour de France in 2001 with the diehard Onati group was one of the highlights of his life. Elias was a fun and energetic person, with a great sense of humor. He had a big heart, loved to work, and was always ready to help others. He loved his family very much, enjoyed life, and raised the spirits of many through his humor and kind acts.

Survivors include his wife, Rose, of 65 years; four children and their spouses, Inaki (Celeste), Elisabet (Joe "Patxi" Amuchastegui), Ana (Bryan Powell) and Simon (Wendi); grandchildren - Josu Amuchastegui (Caitlyn), Nerea (Andrew Grodi), Andoni Amuchastegui (Elyse Palumbo), Ana Miren Lete (Greg Nelson), Isabela Lete (Dylan Quintana), Nekane Powell, Maitane & Ander Lete; and great-grandchildren: Amaya, Idoia, Xanti, Madelyn and Amelia Amuchastegui, and Markel & Ander Grodi. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dorinda, Gudrun, and St Luke's Hospice for the personal care and love they gave our Aitxa over the past 4.5 months. He referred to Dorinda and Gudrun as his guardian angels.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Euzkaldunak Basque Foundation, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, or Txoko Ona in Homedale.

A Rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Nampa Funeral Home Yraguen Chapel, 415 12th Ave. So., Nampa. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 11511 Lake Hazel Road, Boise, Idaho, with a full reception to follow in the church parish hall. A private family graveside service will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery, on the corner of S. Powerline and Greenhurst in Nampa, following the reception. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. An online guest book is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com.