Charlie Lawrence Miller

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Charlie told tales of hunting rattle snakes with Lester and Noreen on Tabletop Mountain, and of working the land with his family.

Wow, what a guy! Charlie Lawrence Miller came into this world on March 28,1941 at the family ranch in Rockland, Idaho to Ancil and Wilma Miller. He was the youngest of 13 children. Charlie must have been in a hurry to start his adventures because his older brother Vernon was sent to get Doc Maxwell quickly to assist with the birth. Living siblings include: Vernon (Elaine) Miller, LauraMae (Blaine) Kendall, Remo (Ray) Walker. Deceased siblings include Fern (Andy) Workman, Betty (Henry) Miller, Lois (Vern) March, Earl, Floyd (Renae), Lloyd (Lorraine), Martha (Jerre) Munson, Noreen (Bill) Styles, Lester.

Living on the family ranch must have held many adventures because Charlie told tales of hunting rattle snakes with Lester and Noreen on Tabletop Mountain, and of working the land with his family. Winters were cold at Rockland, so Ancil decided to take his family to American Falls during the cold months and back on the ranch in warmer weather. Charlie spent his school years at American Falls with one year in high school going to California. He graduated from the class of 1959. Charlie enjoyed playing football on the high school team with his buddies Bob Wolfenbarger, Ralph Swartz, Loren Rosenberger, and Steve Welch who he stayed close with for the rest of his life. He loved that group of friends immensely.

During that time of rough and tumble football Darlene Kopp caught Charlie’s eye. The two were married on June 9, 1961, and brought 3 children into the world. Tracy Taki (Doug), Troy (Susan), Tim (Zulma). To provide for his family Charlie tried various types of work. In the early years the family moved to Lake Channel where the young couple tried their hand at owning a few dairy cattle where the milk was sold to a cheese factory. Charlie could always count on his nephews Raymond Workman and Richard Miller to help with this and many other endeavors. This kind of work quickly proved unsustainable since cows’ need constant care. Charlie’s other work history includes working for the irrigation district, custodial work at AF High School, working at Lamb Weston and farming. Working for Monte Funk Farm was one of his most treasured times. His heart and his passion for working and growing plants lead him to time spent in his beloved garden. Many friends and family have benefited from the food from this garden. Charlie often kept an eye out around town for fruit trees that could provide extra food to harvest. Mark Reinstrand remembers many times spraying choice trees for that cause.

After Charlie’s beloved wife died in 2011, Charlie soon found out he didn’t want to be alone. The suggestion from sister Laura Mae, that he should contact her sister-in-law Bonadyn, soon developed into a special relationship, and they were married November 30, 2011. The family welcomed three additional children into the family. Boyd (Shirlene) Prestidge, Venys (Paul) Houle, and Tena Prestidge (Doug), This union has always stood firm on the couple’s faith in their Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Bonadyn and Charlie’s regular attendance at the Shepherd of the Falls has given them comfort and peace, which Charlie took to the very end of his life. His church family meant so very much to him.

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Charlie loved that group of friends immensely.

Charlie’s pride and joy were his grandchildren Racheal Taki, Ethan Taki, Kirsten Taki, Justin (John) Miller, Ashlee (Casey) Smith, Heather (Chris) Packard, and Ty (Alex) Miller. Charlie has 9 great grandchildren that he adores. This special man will be extremely missed. He was truly loved!!

A viewing will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday August 11 at Davis-Rose Mortuary in American Falls. A s morning viewing will be on Wednesday August 12 from 10-10:45 a.m. at the Shepherd of the Falls, 246 Lee St, American Falls. The funeral will follow beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Falls View Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit DavisRoseMortuary.com to order flowers, or to share condolences, memories, and photos.