Carole Jeanene Miller

Carole Jeanene Miller, our cherished mother, beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on April 16, 2026.

Early Life

Carole Jeanene Miller was born on March 26, 1938, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Ruland Thomas Hatton and Eva Haroldsen. She was welcomed home by one brother and two sisters and spent her early years on the family farm in Ammon, Idaho—a childhood she lovingly described as idyllic. She especially treasured her home, her many cats, and her beloved doll.

As a young child, Carole was shy and stayed close to her mother’s side. Her mother, a schoolteacher in Ucon, Idaho, once had to stop teaching because Carole would board the school bus, ride a short distance, then get off and walk back home. At home, her mother taught her to pray, instilling a deep and abiding faith that would guide her throughout her life. Carole was baptized on May 4, 1946, by her father in the Ammon Ward as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Carole attended Ucon Junior High and Ammon-Bonneville High School, where she found great joy and success. Supported wholeheartedly by her parents, she excelled socially and creatively. Her mother sewed her beautiful clothing, and Carole was known as one of the best-dressed girls in school. She loved dancing, had many friends, and was active in speech, band (playing cornet and French horn), pep club, and choir. She even competed at the state level in dramatic reading. She often recalled that she cried during her graduation ceremony—not from sadness, but because she had loved her school years so deeply.

That fall, she attended Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, where she lived with three roommates and continued her lifelong gift of forming meaningful friendships. She enjoyed an active social life and often joked about juggling multiple dates in a single day.

Marriage and Family

Carole met Fred Call, and they were married on August 28, 1957, in the Idaho Falls Temple. She was 19, and he was 21. She wore a borrowed wedding dress from her cousin, Eva Jean Haroldsen, which she always remembered as the most beautiful she had ever seen.

A year later, while nine months pregnant, Carole was involved in a serious car accident when another driver ran a stop sign and forced their car into a canal. She later recalled her mother praying over her in the ambulance, assuring her she would live. Four days later, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with dark curly hair, whom they named Carole Jeanene. Tragically, the baby passed away because of the car crash and was laid to rest in Ammon Cemetery.

This loss marked a profoundly difficult time. Carole had dreamed of a large family, and the grief was immense. She endured months of physical pain, and doctors feared she might never walk again. Yet through faith, determination, and the support of loved ones, she recovered and walked again.

After several miscarriages, Carole welcomed her son, Bruce, on December 14, 1960, followed by her daughter, Paula Jean, on March 12, 1962.

Later, following trouble in her marriage, Carole found herself single again. She eventually met F. Wayne Miller of Idaho Falls, and they were married on December 9, 1965. Wayne worked at Bering Service and was widely loved for his kindness. He embraced Bruce and Paula as his own and shared Carole’s deep faith. Carole often reflected that after meeting people from all over the world, she found her eternal companion close to home. She said it felt as though they had known each other all their lives.

Together, they built a life filled with love and family. Their son, Brad Alan, was born on September 15, 1966, followed by their daughter, Angela Marlene, on December 30, 1969, after a difficult pregnancy that required bed rest. Carole later said both she and her doctor were relieved and grateful when Angela safely arrived.

They built their home in Ammon near her parents, and those years were filled with joy and togetherness.

A Life of Love and Faith

Carole was a joyful and devoted mother who made life fun. Her home was always open, a welcoming place where her children’s friends felt just as loved as her own family.

She found immense happiness in being a grandmother and great-grandmother, taking a genuine interest in the lives of each of her descendants. She also loved flowers, writing stories, and expressing herself through art.

Carole’s own words beautifully reflect her life and beliefs:

“I have learned so very much about life. Kindness and understanding are among the most important things to develop. I may never be important in the world’s eyes, but through touching the lives of others, I hope they may learn to rely on God at all times.

For future generations who may read this, my life is a testimony that God lives. He helps us in the ways we need. Life is what we make it—we can choose happiness or sadness. Close the book on the bad. Happiness is a state of mind, and it is far more joyful to be happy. Happiness is a virtue of God.”

We, her children, feel profoundly blessed to have had her as our mother. Her legacy of faith, kindness, resilience, and love will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.