Charlotte Fay Miller, 96

There aren’t enough words to truly capture the remarkable life of Charlotte Fay Miller, who passed away peacefully at her home Nov. 11, 2024, with her son and daughter by her side. She was born Aug. 23, 1928, in Kenosha, Wis., to Michael Kunza and Mary Ann Slivon. Charlotte’s life was one full of love, adventure and deep connection.

As a young woman, Charlotte was the stronghold sister to her brother, Kenny Kunza, and sisters Dian Burrell and Mary Ann Martos from the beginning, especially during the challenging times while they lived in a small orphanage in the early 1930s. Her childhood experiences set the strong foundation for her becoming the incredible lady she was. She began her professional journey while still attending Los Alamos High School at the Zia Company in Los Alamos, N.M., where she worked from 1947 to 1969. It was there she met and found happiness and married her first husband, Steve C. Roth, with whom she had two children: Lesley Jerome (Jerry) and Debra Ann Hilsabeck (Debi). Charlotte was blessed to have two more children, Carla Jeanne Kennedy and Ricky Joe Miller, with her second husband, Carl E. Miller. In 1969, Charlotte advanced her career moving back east and joining Bendix Corporation, where she played a vital role in the Apollo 12 and 13 space missions. She later transitioned to a fulfilling role with the U.S. Government, working with great pride and dedication serving The Central Intelligence Agency for decades. During her time working for the CIA, Charlotte’s love for travel flourished. Her work allowed her to live in various places around the world, but Germany became her favorite place to call home. She cherished her time in Venezuela, Costa Rica and Honduras, immersing herself in different cultures and capturing these moments through her photography. Her photo albums, filled with vibrant memories from her travels, brought her immense joy and were a highlight for anyone who was fortunate enough to hear her stories. 

Charlotte’s dream of settling in a small town she had once declared would become her home someday became a reality when she moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in the early 1990s, with her eldest son, Jerry. There, they purchased their forever home and made it their own. Charlotte spent many years in the company of her beloved cats, shopping in her favorite places, playing Skip Bo and square dancing. Though she officially “retired,” Charlotte never truly slowed down. She spent eight years working at Silverwood Theme Park, where she loved greeting guests. Following that time, she worked 15 years with her Kohl’s family, forging lasting friendships and creating countless cherished memories until her 94th birthday.

New Mexico always held a very special place in Charlotte’s heart. Each September, she enjoyed visiting Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Pagosa Springs, Colo., for family time and Fiesta, relishing in old memories while creating new ones and reconnecting with lifelong friends. In September 2024, Charlotte made one last trip to New Mexico and Southwest Colorado, “fulfilling a long-held dream” with her beautiful family while making that trip a monumental time of love for all to cherish and remember always.

A loving grandmother, she was called “Bobbi” by her grandchildren: Kristopher, Jerry Val, Kendra, Meagan, Jennifer, Kerry Joe, Erin and Bradley and her great-grandchildren: Chloe Belle, Collin, Carlie Rose, Camryn, Brooklyn, Larkyn, Maryn, Bowen James, Finleigh, Barrett, Sterling, Ethan Joe and the newest blessing, Hallie Jo. 

Charlotte was a constant source of love and had a special gift for remembering every birthday, anniversary and milestone. This legacy of love and care will live on through her family, especially her daughter, Debi, who continues to carry on her thoughtful spirit. Charlotte’s memory will forever live in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. While she will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing she has been joyfully welcomed into the arms of the Lord and is now resting in her eternal home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Companions Animal Center in her honor.

Flowers for her “celebration of life” and burial with her family and friends may be sent to the Berardinelli Family Funeral Home, 1399 Luisa St., Santa Fe, N.M., on Nov. 23, 2024. 

Visit Charlotte's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.