Naida Louise Miller

Naida Louise Miller was born on March 3, 1937 during a major snowstorm at the Kaniksu Stock Ranch east of Priest River, Idaho. Known as the Italian Settlement, and later shortened to The Settlement, this close-knit community kept the old Italian traditions and language alive throughout the early 1900’s.

She attended grade school through high school in Priest River.  After high school graduation, Naida attended Lamson Business College in Phoenix, Arizona.  In 1958, Naida married Jackson Miller and they welcomed two children, Mike and Julie.  Naida and Jackson purchased a piece of land, which would become known as the Miller Farm, between Priest River and Newport, Washington.  Jackson passed away in 1988.

During her years living in Priest River, Naida kept busy fixing meals for her church, working on gardens and raising chickens and livestock on their farm. In 1988, Naida married Bill Tillotson and they moved to Sandpoint.  Naida and Bill were married until 1997.  Naida continued to make lifelong friends in Sandpoint for the remainder of her life.

Keeping in line with her Italian heritage, Naida loved to cook big meals for her family and friends.  On two separate occasions, she prepared an Italian feast for the 50 students involved with the North Idaho College Choir.  The was the same choir that Julie and Mike belonged to.

Naida loved to prepare holiday dinners for her neighbors, friends and family.  It was not uncommon for Naida to spend hours in the kitchen preparing and perfecting her dishes.  Her kitchen was the heart of her home and she passed on her knowledge of canning, meal preparation and delicious deserts to those she welcomed into her life.  Naida was generous with all she had and loved others fiercely.

Naida loved the outdoors.  She especially enjoyed picking huckleberries, hunting and fishing done in and around Priest Lake.  Priest Lake always held a special place in her heart.  Naida was a skilled gardener and would generously share her fresh produce with her friends and neighbors. 

It wasn’t difficult to get to know Naida.  She was the first in the neighborhood to welcome a new family with a plate of cookies or a thoughtful card or gift.  She cared for the people around her and made it a point to ask how things were going.  Naida would call just to check in and built trusted friendships throughout her life.  

Naida loved her cats and all who knew her saw how special these animals were to her.  She cared for her cats and didn’t hesitate to provide a loving home to any stray kitten in distress.  Naida would say that her cats were part of the family and she treated them as such.

Naida passed away on August 3, 2021.  She is survived by a son Mike, daughter Julie, her sister-in-law Bill Tillotson’s family, her many nieces and nephews and her cats.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Donations in Naida’s honor may be made to either the Priest River Animal Rescue (208-448-0699) or Mystic Farm Wildlife Rescue (208-518-7559).

A Rosary/Vigil service will be said at 5:00 pm, on Friday, August 13, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11:00 am, of Saturday, August 14, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Rob Cook officiating.  Following the funeral, a graveside service will at 2:30 pm, Saturday, August 14, 2021 in Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River, Idaho.