Dona Miller

Dona Jean Miller, nee Herred, was born in Moscow, Idaho on October 18, 1924.  She passed away peacefully on September 4th in Pullman WA. 

She graduated from Moscow High School in 1943 where she and her sisters enjoyed all the girls sporting events that were available at the time.  Dona even pitched a no-hitter during one softball game. 

Before embarking onto more professional jobs in the University of Idaho’s Bursar’s Office and First Trust & Savings, she picked peas at Crites.  But her favorite position was working in the Latah County Clerk’s Office.  

She met her future husband, Arthur Vern Miller, on a New Year’s date at the Moscow Fire Department dance.  Vern later proposed when they were attending a dance at the Ad Club.  

After daughter Julie was born, the family moved to Boise where Vern landed a job.  They continued to return frequently to Moscow, visiting family and friends.  Son Frank was born18 months after his sister. 

In Boise, Dona worked part-time at the Ada County Clerk’s office once the kids were in school.  After the kids were older Mom worked fulltime, eventually managing the Ada County Elections Department.  When she left Ada County, she worked as an administrative assistant for the Language Arts Department in the Boise Public School System until she retired.  It was a job she thoroughly enjoyed. 

She loved all sports, continuing to attend Capital High School games after her kids graduated.  She recounted how much fun she had as a chaperone for the Capital HS Marching Band on the trip to march in a Washington, DC Parade.  Additionally, she was always a University of Idaho Vandal, beginning as a young girl when she and her sisters would sneak over the fence to watch football games from the hill until they became Knot Hole Club members.  She loved bowling, playing any card game (there was a fair amount of playing for quarters when she lived at Valley View) and golf.  How she loved golf!  Her proudest golf achievement was scoring an eagle in her ladies’ league.  It should be noted that she was a killer scrabble player, hoarding a J or X until just the proper moment. 

Dona is survived by her daughter, Julie Miller (Moscow), numerous nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, Reid Miller and wife Karen, (Helena) and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Miller (Draper, UT).   She was preceded in death by her husband, Vern, son Frank, sisters Betty and Joyce, brother Doy and her parents Bertha & Frank Neel, and Julie’s life partner, Cortland Northrop. 

She would be happy for donations to go to the Idaho Humane Society, 1300 S Bird St, Boise, ID 83709 or a local animal shelter. 

A graveside service is planned for September 15 at 10am; Dry Creek Cemetery; 9600 Hill Road, Boise ID 83703.  Masks required.

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