Itala Ottesen

Itala Ethel De Stefani Ottesen

Itala “Ethel” De Stefani Ottesen, our beautiful beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2015.  She was the third of five children born to Vittorio Bertolo and Maria Del Pio Luogo De Stefani on July 25, 1926, in Allentown, PA. Her brother, Italo, died before her parents immigrated to America and her beloved older sister, Irma, drowned at 16.

Ethel graduated as valedictorian from Linden HS, in CA and soon met the dashing young pilot, Ronald G. Ottesen, at a USO dance while he was stationed in California. They married on January 6, 1946.  After her LDS baptism, they were sealed in the Manti Temple in 1949. While living in Stockton, three children blessed their union.

In 1963 they moved to Marin County, CA, where she graduated magna cum laude from San Francisco State and became a high school teacher.  She was loved by all because she loved them.  No one was a stranger for long. She was well known for her gourmet Italian cooking.

In 1993 they moved to Layton, UT, to be closer to family. One of their great joys was serving as ushers at the Conference Center and during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, and older brother and sister.  She is survived by her daughter, Ronée (Merrill) Scott and sons, David Andrew (Holly), and Cory Wendell (Maureen), 17 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren, brothers Victor (LaReece) and Armand (Trish) De Stefani.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 23, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the La Donna Mesa Chapel, 2375 E. 3225 N., Layton.  Friends may visit family Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Salem Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Perpetual Education Fund.