Rosalina “Rosie” G. Williams, 87, passed away Oct. 29 of complications from cancer. She passed at home, surrounded by family.

Rosie was born Aug. 26, 1932 in Barber, Idaho, to Luciana Garatea Aboitiz and Esteban Garatea. Known also as Lina, she was the fourth child, and only daughter of Luciana and Esteban. Her older brothers were Frank, Hank, and Joe. The family moved to Emmett, Idaho, where she spent her childhood. In high school, she moved to Burns with her mother. In Burns, Rosie helped her mother run the Plaza Basque boardinghouse. She went to dances and socials, from the Diamond Ranch to the Drewsey Grange Hall to the Armory in Burns, but only when all of her chores at the boardinghouse were done — kitchen spotless, napkins pressed, and the table set for the next day’s meal. That’s a tradition she carried with her until the end.

Rosie graduated from high school and soon married Jett Blackburn. Together they had three children, Rex, Kim, and Jan. In 1962,  she and her dear friend Marilyn Daniels, moved to Boise, Idaho, with their children. Later in Boise, Rosie married Calvin Williams. Together they had one daughter, Lynette. Over the course of 35 years, Rosie had a successful career as an office manager for Mountain States Wholesale (Albertsons), and later Mine, Safety, and Health Administration, from which she retired.

Rosie was fiercely proud of her Basque heritage and family. She loved Basque dinners with family and friends at the Basque Center, especially a good garbanzo soup followed by rice pudding. She was a generous supporter of cultural events and the Basque community. Dance for Rosie was a true joy, whether it was the jota with sister-in-law Margaret, her nieces, daughters, and grandson, Alex, or an elegant foxtrot with her husband, Calvin, and their dance club friends. Rosie had a wonderful sense of style and could always be counted on to bring class to any gathering. A devoted Broncos fan, Rosie never missed a home game in 30 years. She loved her friends, spending time playing pinochle, bowling, fishing, and golfing. She especially enjoyed fishing and boating at Cascade lake. There she and Calvin built a cabin for the whole family to gather for occasions, including a memorable 50th birthday where they roasted an entire pig. Rosie was not shy about having a good time and making sure all in her company did too.

Faith and friendship were central to Rosie’s life. She attended services at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Whether at church or in the neighborhood, Rosie always had time to chat and loved to find out how everyone was doing, making those in her company feel like they were important. Rosie also loved her dogs, spoiling them with toys and affection. She was outgoing, independent, strong-willed, and witty. At age 62, she took a final trip to Vizcaya, Spain, and even there made new friends, learning about her family in her father’s home town of Nabarriz, and enjoying staying up all night dancing and singing in Euskera with her Basque cousins, celebrating the festivities of St. Antolin.

Rosie is survived by her son, Rex (Barbara); daughters, Kim (Gary), and Lynette (Derek); stepdaughter, Sharon; grandchildren, Jackson, Megan, Alex, Luciana, Aidan, Ramona, and Tara; and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Jett.

She was preceded in death by her father when she was 3 years old. She had a strong and loving relationship with her mom/ama, who she considered her best friend. Rosie was a loving and incredibly devoted daughter until her mother passed away. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Calvin; brothers; daughter, Jan; and grandson, Scott.

A graveside service was held Nov. 26 at Dry Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Providence Children’s Health Foundation, 830 NE 47th Ave., Portland, OR 97213 or the Shriners Hospital for Children-Salt Lake City; Development Office Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City, 1275 E. Fairfax Rd., Salt Lake City, Utah 84103.

Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family on Rosalina’s memorial webpage at summersfuneral.com.