Barbara Miller, 76

After a brave 10-plus year battle with metastatic breast cancer, Barbara Miller passed away Aug. 18, 2025, in Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounded by her family. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 3, 1949, to the late Rocco and Angela Vinciquerra. 

Barbara grew up in Wickliffe, Ohio, where, as a proud "Blue Devil," she excelled in academics and music and was also a member of the cheerleading squad. Upon graduation from high school, she attended and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in education while at the same time continuing her extracurricular activities as a cheerleader and team mascot, the "Bobkitten," and also was a member of the homecoming court.

After attaining her masters degree in special education and a brief teaching stint in Athens, Ohio, she decided in 1978 that a change was needed and decided to pack her bags and head west to Sandpoint, Idaho to begin a new adventure. That is where she met the love of her life, Larry Miller, while teaching special education in the local school system. For 50 years, they were together, and raised Larry's children, Randy and Rae Lyn, and eventually moved into their beloved home on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, where she could kayak and walk among God's gift of nature. In 1986, she began teaching at the Riverside School District and continued there until she retired in 2006.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Larry; children Randy (Heidi) and Rae Lyn (Teg); brothers Rich (Carol) and Jim (Kathy); sister Jeanne Richards; three grandchildren; a great-grandchild; many nieces, nephews and cousins who she adored; and to Mateo, her burly and lovable goldendoodle companion.

Barbara's wish was to have her ashes spread both on her favorite kayaking spot as well as on her parents' grave in Ohio. That will take place at a later date at private services. 

Special thanks go to her "special angels," the dedicated nurses at the Kootenai Cancer Center in Sandpoint, Idaho, for their loving care over her 10-plus year journey and to her many friends, including her support group, who provided love and emotional support over the years. 

There will be a no-host lunch at Baxter's on Cedar in Sandpoint on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. with stories and tributes at 2:30 p.m. while we feast on Barb's favorite key lime pie. Memorials can be made to The Healing Garden in Sandpoint (Bonnergeneral.org) and/or the Community Cancer Services, 1205 U.S. 2, Suite 101B, Sandpoint, ID 83864.