Mardean Miller

Mardean Miller passed away May 25, 2016 surrounded by family after a short, but valiant battle with cancer. She was born July 20, 1945 to Dewey and Dovey Styhl in Pocatello, ID. Mardean's early years were spent horseback roaming all over the foothills of Pocatello. When she was 16 she met Gary Miller and after graduation from Poky High School in 1963 they were married. That summer they spent a 3 month honeymoon in a small cabin in the Lemhi Valley while Gary worked as a ranch hand. Wes was born in December of that year and Tassie was born in 1968 on the same day the family moved into their new home at Seagull Bay in American Falls.

Mardean's life was spent heavily involved with all aspects of rodeo. She was one of the original founding members of the Eastern Idaho Rodeo Association (later the ImPRA) and with Gary ran the association from their home until 1972 and again in 1977. Many, many people got their start in rodeo with Mardean's help from the house in Seagull Bay. She served in several official rodeo positions throughout her life including timer, secretary and sometimes even manned the ketch pen gate. In 1980 Mardean & Gary started Miller Photo. The next 25 years were spent traveling all over Idaho and Arizona photographing rodeos while also serving on the board of directors of the ImPRA and spending several years working as manager of Central Entry and later as operator.

Mardean had countless adventures and made friends all over. But most of all, Mardean loved animals, especially dogs and horses. She remembered all her friend's pet's names even better than their owners over the years. All cowboys, their families and their pets knew that when they pulled into a rodeo and saw Mardean they were home and would be welcome to a chair to relax in, a cup of coffee to drink and hours of good company.

She is survived by her husband Gary of 53 years; children: Wes (Kathy) Miller and Tassie (Jim) MGahey; grandchildren: Ashley (Josh) Lindley, Chance (Nicole) Miller, Lacy (Jake) Rosa, Brandon (Lisa) Miller, Paycen McGahey and Luke (Eden) McGahey; great-grandchildren: Ayla and Parker Lindley. She also leaves behind her mother, Dovey Styhl; sisters: Sharrie Wright, Debbie Styhl, Carla Voss and brother Stacy Styhl and, of course, 3 dogs and several fish in the pond whom Mardean loved immensely.

The funeral will be held at 1 pm on June 4, 2016 at the Miller home located at 12653 W. Reservation Rd.; Pocatello, ID 83202. At dusk there will be an illumination of light in Mardean's honor. The family invites everyone to attend and share in in the remembrance of this extraordinary individual. She would want everyone to understand that parking for the funeral will be in the pasture.

Happy trails....

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