Noeline Etchegoyhen Bross was born Dec. 25, 1923, on a ranch in Pleasant Valley, Nevada, to Pete Etchegoyhen and Jean Bidart. She was the youngest of five: brothers Jerry and Pete, and sisters Katherine and Leoni. She spent her early life on the farm helping her family struggle through the Great Depression. The family moved to Winnemucca when Noeline was five. She began school speaking no English but went on to excel at Humboldt High School. She was an excellent student, an athlete and a leader, serving as student body secretary and senior class president.
In 1947, Noeline married Bill Lindley and moved to Portola. Her first daughter, Alexa Stacey, was born in September, 1948 and daughter Ann followed in 1951. Bill worked on the railroad and Noeline was an energetic homemaker, putting on cool birthday parties, and establishing herself in her new community. Bill and Noeline divorced shortly after the death of her daughter Alexa in 1957.
Noeline married Dr. Willard Bross in 1962 and welcomed his daughter Martha (1952-2023), who spent summers with them. Noeline’s ardor and leadership were instrumental in building Eastern Plumas District Hospital in Portola. Noeline and Bill had a very happy marriage and returned to Reno in the late 1970s, where Bill worked as director of emergency services and care flight. Noeline was ecstatic to be back in Nevada, her home. She worked as an accountant and briefly ventured into real estate, only to discover that convincing people a leaky basement was “character” wasn’t quite her calling. The two enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling together. The Lakes Basin area was a favorite haunt for them. Noeline also continued to visit Winnemucca, enjoying her family there and exploring the majestic Ruby Mountains.
Noeline enjoyed her Basque heritage and was fluent in Basque. She knew every Basque relative and could provide a more accurate family tree than most DNA heritage sites. She visited the Pyrenees three times to see relatives. She loved seeing her cousins, speaking her native tongue, and seeing the house where her mother grew up.
After Dr. Bross’s passing in 1996, Noeline continued to maintain her lovely home and her many friendships in Portola. She was a super-grandma — “Amachi” — to her lovely and talented grandchildren Katherine, Vanessa and Suzanne Filippini, and Todd, Elizabeth and Gwynn Bartleson. She was a vital part of the lives of her daughters Martha and Ann, and son-in-law Tim Filippini. You don’t make it to one hundred years of age without a powerful constitution and an unusual determination. Every aspect of Noeline’s life, from her immaculate house, well-maintained yard and abundant kitchen, reflect these traits.
Noeline remained sharp, even passing her most recent driver’s test at the age of 97. When “sidelined” with a broken hip she moved into the Eastern Plumas Skilled Nursing Facility. She continued to enjoy life and new friendships. She died Sept. 16, 2024.
Noeline devoted her life to her family, tirelessly caring for those around her. If you ever sent her a Christmas card or found your name in the newspaper, you can be sure there’s a clipping still neatly tucked away in her home, a testament to her love and connection to each of you. We will remember Noeline for her devotion to her family, her quiet enthusiasm and her pioneer spirit. The memories are good.
A graveside service was held at the Winnemucca Cemetery on Wednesday, Sept. 25, with lunch following at The Martin Hotel.
