Jan. 21, 1930 – Dec. 24, 2020

Elsie King (Elsa), a longtime resident of La Cañada Flintridge was born of German immigrant parents Louis and Magdalena Setzer in Los Angeles. She and her sister Louise grew up in a diverse, vibrant downtown in and around the family’s hotel business. She attended Los Angeles schools Virgil Junior High and Dorsey High. She was active in clubs and excelled as a pianist, performing in Los Angeles for enthusiastic audiences. A famous story from her youth is the moment she met Clark Gable who removed, from her eye, a fly that somehow flew in as she was wildly riding her bicycle to get an autograph.
As a young woman, Elsie was a member of Transfiguration parish in Leimert Park. She was a dedicated choir singer under the direction of adopted uncle Richard Bender, her lifelong friend and confidant. There she met her husband Richard King. They married in 1952 and had four children. After eight years in Salt Lake City, they settled in the Crescenta/Cañada area.
Elsie was actively involved in the Holy Redeemer School and Church community as a volunteer pianist or uber speedy typist. She was a wonderful, supportive mother to her kids and nurtured their talents.
Known to be a loyal compassionate friend, she took a sincere interest in people and always had an ear to listen. While forging new friendships in the foothills, she maintained relationships with girlhood pals. She kept in shape by walking the Crescenta Valley track, developing friendships with fellow walkers, clocking five miles a day while yacking up a storm.
To her grandsons, Christopher and Cory Childs, Elsie was known as “Nonnie.” Being a grandmother was her greatest joy in life. She took on many supportive roles in their lives, enjoying innumerable trips to the park and explorations of the newest fascinating construction site. She shuttled them to and from school and was an influential presence.
In her later years, Elsie was cared for by her daughters and developed a significant friendship with beloved caregiver of nine years, Imee Amata. Predeceased by husband Richard and sons Jeffrey and Timothy, she’s survived by daughters Sheryl and Christine; daughter-in-law Liz; and grandsons Christopher and Cory.
Internment and graveside service will be private. Those who knew Elsie or her family can feel free to share memories at elsieking1930@gmail.com.