Rhea Roberts Miles

Rhea Roberts Miles passed away of natural causes at her home in Afton, Wyoming on Friday, April 24, 2020.  Just two weeks prior she celebrated her 99th birthday with a drive-by parade.  She was thrilled with all her friends and family that came by to wave and wish her happy birthday.

Rhea was born to Franklin Joseph and Florence Edna Roberts on April 10, 1921 in Thayne, Wyoming.  She had a wonderful childhood growing up in Thayne with her three brothers, Frank Roberts, Matthew Roberts, and Griffith Roberts and her three sisters, Mary Roberts Wolfley, Martha Roberts Call, and Doris Roberts Taylor. 

On September 21, 1940 she married O’Niel (Bus) Miles in Paris, Idaho.  Together they raised six daughters, Sherlene, Linda, Tanna, Jill, Connie, and Venice. Going on picnics, camping, and hunting were some of her favorite family activities.  She was known for being able to spot a deer on a hillside far before anyone else.  She and Bus farmed, raised sheep, and milked cows for many years.  Hard work never slowed her down or prevented her from being a wonderful wife and mother. Service was important to her and many people in the valley were recipients of her kindness. 

Rhea was known for her great cooking skills.  They first operated the Pilot café in Afton, Wy where her cooking reputation spread throughout the town.  Later they purchased the Golden Spur Café and Bus’s Cowboy in Afton Wyoming.

As a Jazz basketball fan, Rhea knew all the players’ names and never missed watching a televised game.  On her 98th birthday she received a phone call from the Jazz commentator, Craig Bolerjack, thanking her for being a loyal Jazz fan and wishing her a happy birthday. 

Rhea was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She had a strong testimony of the gospel and had great faith.  Her devotion to personal prayer has been a great example to her posterity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, O’Niel (Bus) Miles, and daughters Linda Call, Tanna Creamer, and Jill Hillyard.  She is survived by daughters Sherlene Moss, Connie Scherbel, and Venice Lancaster, as well as 18 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 19 great great grandchildren. 

Rhea’s life span encompassed the time period of Indian scares to talking to her virtual assistant, Alexa.

The funeral service will be broadcast live on Schwab Mortuary’s Facebook page, please like the page and follow it in order to view the live stream.