Melanie Lee Miller (Yorker) passed away April 12, 2019, from metastatic breast cancer which she faced with extraordinary grace and strength. A dedicated spouse, devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and a cherished friend to many, she was born in Denver, Colorado on August 14, 1952. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Melanie married Russ Waln, and they had a daughter, Jackie. They later divorced.
Her professional life began as a 4-H Extension Agent on Indian reservations in Idaho, where she met her husband, Sam Miller, whose work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs brought them to the Washington, DC area in 1981. Melanie served in senior public relations positions for trade associations in the peanut, food safety, tuna and sugar industries for close to 30 years. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Alexandria, VA and a past president of The Charter 100 DC, an organization that recognizes accomplished women. In 2010, Melanie and Sam moved to Boise, ID.
In Boise, Melanie served as the Executive Director of the Boise Watershed Council. She and Sam enjoyed making new friendships with their neighbors, visiting the Idaho wineries, and acting as terrific hosts to family and friends who visited. Spending time with her grandchildren on a regular basis and the out-of-town great-grandchildren when they visited were highlights of her life in Boise. Melanie and Sam were members of the Cathedral of the Rockies. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2012, Melanie was involved with a support group of Forever Fighters.
Preceding her in death are her parents Neal and Jacqueline (Westbrook) Yorker, grandparents Lon and Audrey Westbrook and Oscar B. and Alice Yorker, and stepson, Jeffrey Miller. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, her brother Scott Yorker (Karma), her beloved Allred Family – daughter and son-in-law, Jackie and Jason and four grandchildren, and members of the Miller family across the country – stepdaughter, and grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
All of us will remember her strong spirit, optimism, and kindness. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, June 7 at 4:00 pm the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise.
