Chelda Mae Lish Miller Passes Away in Salmon Idaho. Chelda was Joan Miller Ponton, of Mackay, Idaho, Mother.

Chelda Mae (Lish) Miller, of Patterson, Idaho went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday August 30, 2010 in Salmon, Idaho. Chelda was born April 23, 1920 in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the eldest daughter of Everett Peter Lish and Iris Celesta (Blanchard) Lish.


Chelda spent her early years in Twin Falls, and Cedar Hill, Idaho where her Dad worked in construction and farming. From there her family moved to Ellis, Idaho where Chelda attended the first and third grades. Her education continued in Salmon, Idaho, and the Pahsimeroi Valley. Completing the 8th grade at the Patterson school. Chelda did not attend High School but went directly to work to help support the family. During this period while working at the Ima Mine she met and dated Philip Miller. After dating approximately seven years they were married on October 22, 1942 in Salmon, Idaho. After their marriage they made their home on the family ranch at Patterson. Three children were born to this union, Phyllis Marie (Miller) Allen born April 4th, 1944, Joan (Miller) Ponton on October 19, 1945, and George Anderson Miller on March 24, 1954. Chelda was always a hard working loving mother not only to her own children but mothered over everyone. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow, cooking and watch everyone eat her wonderful food. She loved flowers and working in her garden. Her house was always open to family and friends at anytime. She was active in community affairs, serving on the election board, Patterson School PTA, and was awarded the Life Long Stewards of the Land Award from Custer Soil and Water Conservation District in 2004. She is survived by her three children, Phyllis Allen of Walla Walla, WA, Joan and Alan Ponton of Mackay, Idaho and George and Susan Miller of Patterson, Idaho; 11 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson. She is also survived by 1 brother, Everett Jr. Lish (Judy) of Salmon, Idaho and two sisters, Ada Drollinger of Salmon, Idaho, and Melva McGraw(Everett) of Kuna, Idaho.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Philip in 1993, two sisters, Leona Mackey, and Helen O’Neal, and one brother, Elmer Lish and grandson Jeremy Guyton Miller.
Funeral services will be held at the Patterson LDS Church on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones and Casey Funeral Home of Salmon, Idaho.
Memorials are suggested to the Pahsimeroi EMS in lieu of flowers.
The Family would like to express their gratitude to the Salmon Steele Memorial Hospital, the Discovery Care Center, family, and friends for their loving care for our mother - Jones & Casey Funeral Home