Della Louise Winter Amen passed away Friday, May 14, 2021 at the age of 92. She had been a resident at Parke View Rehabilitation in Burley.
Della was born August 29, 1928 in Chinook Montana. The daughter of John D. Winter and Cora Searles. She had one older brother, Dick; two younger sisters, Rosie, and Irene; and three younger brothers, Fred, Garland and Jim.
Della was 17 years old when she settled in Burley. She was a waitress at the Oregon Trail and Nelsons “Cafes” in Burley. A customer told her she had a “million dollar” smile. While waitressing at Nelsons, she met Calvin Amen, who was driving his own taxicab at the time called “Cal’s Cab.” Calvin and Della were married in 1947. Three sons and a daughter followed. Steven Roy born October 1947, David Cal born May 1950, Randy John born June 1953 and Susan Louise born April 1958.
Della and Cal’s first home was on Almo Ave near the railroad tracks. After having four children and outgrowing that home, they purchased their second home. It was also on Almo Ave, across from the Miller elementary school. For many years Della was very busy taking care of her four children, gardening, cooking, and canning.
In the 70’s, Della got an opportunity from Cal’s brother Jim to work in a small clothing/gift shop called “That Store.” In 1974 she joined “Beta Sigma Phi”, a woman’s sorority group. After many successful years working at “That Store”, she went to work at “Cal Ranch Store” in Burley for several years.
When she and Dad retired, she kept very busy with painting, scrapbooking, cross-stich, embroidery, sewing and gardening. She loved giving gifts, especially if she made it herself. She loved to cook. Many will remember her cookies and especially her hot rolls and cinnamon rolls.
Our mother said that her happiest times were the fishing trips and vacations with family. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She loved to decorate and bake. She had the most beautiful Christmas tree with ornaments that she had collected over many years. She was a great cook and could serve up the best Holiday dinners. Our mother cherished every moment spent with her family. Della had a way of making everyone feel special and loved.
Della was a natural born caregiver and gave her husband the very best care for many years, when he developed Alzheimer’s. Calvin passed away in 2008 after 61 years of marriage.
Della is survived by her sister Rosie Toner (George); three sons Steve (Lorraine), Dave (Betty), Randy (Sandy); daughter Susan (Rob); 9 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
We appreciate all the love and support we have received from everyone that knew our mother. We would like to thank the caring staff at Parke View Rehabilitation as well as Dr. Graham.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Fairfield Inn (conference room), Burley Idaho, on June 12, 2021 between one and five o’clock. Please come join us in remembering Della.
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