Ellen Marie (Laphen) Ott

Ellen Marie Laphen Ott graduated to heaven on October 7, 2023, at age 73. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, December 18, 1949, to Betty & Pasquale “Kelly” Laphen, she came from a large Italian American family, and was blessed with four sisters and three brothers: Morris, Antonia, Patsy, Freida, Kelly (deceased), Nick, and Carmela (deceased).  Ellen’s father passed when she was 14, and after graduating high school, she and her family moved to New London, Connecticut. 

Ellen soon met a young submariner stationed at the nearby Naval base.  As Ellen often told it, “Lonely sailor meets beautiful redhead.”  After marrying Barry in 1969, the couple moved to Massachusetts where both her sons, Garrett and Damon, were born.  In the late 70s, the family moved to the woods of Southern Maine, where they lived until moving to Idaho in 1984.  Ellen described herself at that time as “an angry young woman who was looking for something more,” even though she appeared to have everything. In the early 80’s, when the Pastor at the church they were attending suddenly got saved – so did Ellen. Barry says when he saw the dramatic changes that being “born again” made in Ellen, he wanted it for himself.

When Barry’s employer offered to move them to Boise, Idaho in 1984, the family uprooted from New England and moved west.  There they thrived in the new environs, enjoying Idaho’s beautiful outdoors and welcoming community.  Ellen’s love for Jesus and commitment to the ministry further blossomed in Idaho, and eventually led to the discovery of a charismatic church, Capital Christian Center. Ellen was especially drawn to the worship service and immediately involved herself in many areas of Capital’s ministry. During this same time, Ellen’s ministry had expanded greatly and eventually included several roles in Women’s Aglow, Idaho’s Operation Rescue, and many mission trips to Russia/Siberia with Prepare the Way International and a mission to Mongolia with YWAM. Ellen had a heart to help young mothers and took in infants on two different occasions.  Throughout this time, Barry and Ellen continued attending, and have remained actively involved at Capitol Christian.

Beside her love for the Lord, Ellen was perhaps best known for her love to joke and laugh, the generousness with which she offered her opinions to others and having the charisma of a born entertainer. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Barry Ott; her two sons Garrett (wife Alissa) and Damon (wife Nina); her grandchildren Noelle, Ariel, Alex, Kaylee, Orion and Opal, and many nieces and nephews. 

Come celebrate Ellen’s life with her loved ones this Saturday, October 14th at Capital Christian Center in Meridian. Viewing at 10am, Memorial Service at 11am. Arrangements are under the direction of the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel where an online guest book and full obituary is available at www.nampafuneralhome.com

Regardless of whether you’re able to attend, the family encourages you to post your favorite photos and memories of Ellen to her “Kudo Board” using the following link:

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