Obituary of Margaret Ensley

Margaret Uria Ensley (1939-2023)

Margaret Uria Ensley, 84, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Caldwell, ID. Margaret was born on March 19, 1939, in Homedale, ID, the 10th of 11 children to parents Evelyn and Joe Uria. She was deeply rooted in the close-knit community of Homedale, where she attended elementary through high school. While working at the local movie theater alongside her siblings, she caught the attention of Jerry Ensley of Wilder, who frequently stopped by for root beer and some friendly chat with the girls. Their relationship blossomed, leading to a lifelong bond. They were married on September 15, 1957.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Joe Uria; siblings Mary Uria, Victor and Roma Uria, Louis and Bev Uria, Eddy Uria, Vivian Ensley, Bob Wegman, and Julia and Kenny Clary; grandson Brandon Curtis Morton; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Evelyn and Everett Ensley.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Ensley; their three children Susan and John Sharpe, Gregory Ensley, and Darren Ensley; grandchildren Stephanie and David Carr, Benjamin Morton, Anna and Matthew Spraktes, Alexis Sharpe, Olivia and Casey Ronspies, and Sarah Ensley; and great-grandchildren Alyssa Carr, Preston Nesbitt, Parker Morton, Lincoln Spraktes, Grayson Spraktes, and Ellie Grace Ronspies.

Margaret was proud of her Basque heritage and was a member of the Txoko Ona Basque Club in Homedale. It was during a volunteering session at a rodeo fundraiser for the club that she had an unforgettable moment: acquiring her beloved dog, Lulu, in exchange for a hamburger. Her life journey took her across Oregon, Washington, and Maine before she finally returned to her Idahoan roots, settling close to family in Caldwell.

Margaret consistently showed her dedication to her children's education and activities, serving as a room mother and taking on leadership roles with the Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts. Margaret and Jerry’s summers were committed to creating and tending beautiful flower gardens together. In Maine, their colorful landscaping often attracted onlookers who would stop to admire and take pictures.  Over the last few years, the gardens of the Ensley home in Caldwell provided a playground for birds, squirrels, and deer, which Margaret loved to watch from the windows every morning. Her fondness for animals was evident with dogs Lulu and Pixie and her many cats.  

A lifelong, enthusiastic reader, Margaret also enjoyed collecting. Among her favorite treasures were her vintage jewelry, hats, teapots, scottie dogs, and dolls.

Margaret loved spending time with her large, extended family.  She enjoyed trips with her nieces and sisters to gamble and spend time together.  Family gatherings were a cherished tradition in her life and she enjoyed playing cards and working on puzzles with them. Combining her love for the New England Patriots and her family, she attended six games in her lifetime. Margaret enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She met her newest great-grandchild, Ellie, a day before her passing.

Services will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at 11 am at Flahiff Funeral Chapel in Caldwell, followed by a burial service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Caldwell. Dinner will immediately follow at the Basque Center in Homedale.

To live stream Margaret's service please copy and past the following link into your search bar:

https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7498625454

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret Ensley, please visit Tribute Store