Emma C. Miller, 96

Emma C. Miller passed away March 18, 2014, in Spokane Valley, Wash. Emma was born December 18, 1917, in Carlin Bay, ID. Her parents, Gus and Hattie Higgelke, came over from Germany and became farmers of alfalfa, wheat and various livestock. She was the middle child, having an older brother and a younger sister. Emma attended a one room school house with 40 students. She had fond memories of her mother teaching her sewing, needlecrafts, and cooking. Her mother had her own spinning wheel and everything was handmade. All of their stockings, hats and gloves were made with love by her mother. That was the main reason Emma always enjoyed knitting, sewing and crocheting in her spare time. One specialty that Emma loved was cooking delicious meals. After graduating from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1936, she left her family and went to New York City where she attended Culinary School. After graduating, Emma returned to Idaho and attended a community college for more cooking instruction.

While attending school, Emma met her future husband, Alfred Miller, who was a landscape gardener at the Hayden Lake Country Club. The couple was married for over thirty years and had a wonderful life together. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working outside in their beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Emma and Alfred were active members of the Eagle Auxiliary and enjoyed dancing on Saturday nights at the Eagles. They were blessed with two children: John and Kathleen. Alfred passed away in 1976.

Emma was assistant chef at the Desert Hotel in Coeur d’Alene, working with the executive chef until he retired. She then continued to work at the hotel for many years as the executive chef. Emma catered many lavish parties for very influential people in Coeur d’Alene. Later, she was the executive chef for Athletic Round Table until she retired.

For the past five years, Emma enjoyed living at the Evergreen Fountains Senior Living Community in the Spokane Valley. She developed many friendships there. She was part of the “Happy Hatters” knitting group, and made over 100 hats for children and new born babies who were in hospitals. Emma enjoyed bingo, wine and cheese socials, and scenic drives. She was crowned “Puzzle Queen” because she enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles so much, and devoted much of her time to them.

Emma was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was very much involved with our every day lives, giving happiness and encouragement to everyone she touched. She will be greatly missed.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred; parents, Gus and Hattie; brother, Fred Higgelke, and sister, Gertrude Coleman. She is survived by her son, John Miller (Dona), and daughter, Kathleen Arger (Greg); five grandchildren: Rick and James Miller, Gene, George, and Stephanie Arger; and five great grandchildren: Jazmine, Siena, and Rylan Miller, Vasiliki and Andreas Arger.

Visitation will be held 9 to 11 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 a.m., Monday, March 24, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. Emma will be laid to rest at Riverview Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene. Please visit Emma’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.