Darlene Annette Miller, 76, passed away peacefully at home on September 24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born on December 26, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho, the daughter of Dorothy Caldwell and Albert Johnston. She grew up in Idaho, spending much of her youth in the northern part of the state. She attended the University of Idaho, where she met the love of her life, Leonard Miller. Darlene and Leonard married on January 2, 1960, n Kellogg, Idaho. During their long and loving marriage, Darlene and Leonard crossed the country, residing in North Carolina, New Jersey, California, and Texas. Along the way, they started a family that Darlene raised, including two daughters and two sons. The resided for many years in Tomball, Texas, and more recently in Wimberley, Texas.
Darlene lived life with her faith and her family at the cornerstone of her foundation. From homemaking, to working various jobs, to coaching her children’s sports teams, to helping others in need, she was a shining example of hard work, and of putting other’s needs ahead of her own. She sang in various Catholic and community choirs over the years, most recently Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda. She cared for animals and gave to a host of charities, ranging from animal rescue charities, to cancer fighting charities, to charities that benefit American Indian school children. She participated in many competitive trail rides accumulating over 1000 miles, often placing. She owned and cared for many horses, her favorites being Shauna Lee and Zim. In retirement, Darlene and Leonard settled in Wimberley, Texas. They spent their summers in Darlene’s beloved Idaho, where they owned a home in the mountains and enjoyed riding horses together and with friends. She also cherished the time she spent watching her six grandchildren. Her home was the center for the many family gatherings and holidays that she enjoyed with her family.
Darlene was preceded in death by her mother and father, and by her sister, Patricia Wilbur. She is survived by her devoted husband of more than fifty-five years, Leonard Miller, daughters, Teresa Reddy and Karen Sadler, sons, Stephen Miller and John Miller, and their spouses Christopher Reddy, Lolani Miller, and Tricia Miller, and grandchildren Mary Reddy, Kelsea Sadler, Jordan Sadler, Andrew Miller, Noah Miller, and Alexandra Miller.
There will be a memorial funeral mass for Darlene at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on October 2, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in her name to the American Cancer Society.
