Hilda M. Miner, 91, formerly of Libby

Hilda Mabel (Kyostaja) Miner, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 6, 2013.

She was born in Moose Lake, Minn., on May 30, 1922, to Johan Henry and Lydia Maria (Haikola) Kyostaja. Hilda was the last survivor of seven siblings.

After graduation from Moose Lake High School,  she worked various jobs in Minnesota before helping the World War II effort as a mechanic with Boeing in Seattle, Wash. She then worked for fruit companies in Chelan and Wenatchee, Wash., as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Chelan County in Wenatchee.

In 1960, Hilda married Richard R. Miner, of Tacoma, Wash., where they lived for less than a year before moving to Klickitat, Wash., where her husband was transferred by his employer. 

While in Klickitat, the couple was blessed with three children, Lydia Marie Miner, Michael Andrew Miner and Ruth Ann Miner.

In 1970, Hilda traveled with her family to Finland where she enjoyed meeting relatives of her father’s family. In 1971, the family moved to Libby where they have resided in the same home until the present time. 

Hilda enjoyed many camping trips, in many parts of our great nation, in our tent-trailer, including annual camping on our lot in Sunset Sands Community on the Long Beach Peninsula, Wash.

Hilda was very active in the ministry of Libby Baptist Church, serving in many different capacities over the years: Sunday school teacher, treasurer, choir member, Women’s Missionary Union leader.

One of Hilda’s greatest joys was the opportunity to travel with her husband as a missionary volunteer to five different countries in West Africa. From 1986 to 2006 the couple spent more than 10 years on the mission field.

Hilda is survived by her husband, Richard; daughter, Lydia Miner, and domestic partner, David Steward; Michael (Belinda) Miner, Ruth Ann (Steve Steele) Miner; grandchildren, Vance Ray Miner and Noella Jean Miner. The couple has three step-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held for Hilda at 4 p.m. Aug. 22, 2013, at Libby Baptist Church, 105 East Cedar Street. Refreshments will be served after the service in the fellowship hall. Memorials can be made to International Mission Board SBC at imb.org. 

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.