Darlene Miller (Johnston), 76

Darlene Miller, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Sept. 24, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born on Dec. 26, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho, the daughter of Dorothy Caldwell and Albert Johnston.

She grew up in North Idaho, graduating from Kellogg High School. She attended the University of Idaho, where she met the love of her life, Leonard Miller. Darlene and Leonard married on Jan. 2, 1960, in 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.

In addition to her family, Darlene had many passions in life, including riding horses, reading, singing in the church choirs and community choirs, caring for animals and giving to a host of charities, ranging from animal rescue charities, to cancer fighting charities, to charities that benefit American Indian school children.

Darlene loved horseback riding. She participated in many competitive trail rides, accumulating more than 1,000 miles, often placing. She owned and cared for many horses, her favorites being Shauna Lee and Zim.

In retirement in 1997, Darlene and Leonard divided their time between their winter home in Wimberley, Texas, and their summer home in Medimont, Idaho, where they enjoyed riding their horses and spending time with family and friends.

Darlene also cherished the time she spent watching her six grandchildren, whom she loved and adored, grow up. She enjoyed many family gatherings and holidays with the family. She will be dearly missed by all but never forgotten.

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 55 years, Leonard Miller; daughters Teresa Reddy and Karen Sadler, sons Stephen Miller and John Miller, and their spouses Christopher Reddy, Iolani Miller and Tricia Miller; and grandchildren, Mary Reddy, Kelsea Sadler, Jordan Sadler, Andrew Miller, Noah Miller and Alexandra Miller; stepfather Dale Donohoe; niece Leah White and nephews David Wilbur and Jerry Wilbur.

A memorial service for Darlene was held on Friday, Oct. 2, 2015, at Santa Cruz Catholic Church in Buda, Texas.