Adelia graduated from St. Teresa's Academy in 1953, enrolled at Idaho State University and married Richard Simplot.  She and Dick started their family while embarking on careers with the Simplot Company.  They moved back to Boise in 1959, where Adelia became involved in community organizations.  Finding a passion for community development, Adelia joined the boards of directors of several institutions and worked to save historic landmarks in Boise, including much of what is now known as the Basque Block.

By detailing the acquisition and renovation of key parts of the Basque Block, Adelia sheds light on what it takes to restore, preserve and present a central part of the story of Basque settlement in the American West.