Elaine Mary Nippolt Miller Cox, 84

Elaine Mary Nippolt Miller Cox, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at her home in Sandpoint, Idaho, surrounded by her family.

The Rosary service will held at 8 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2016, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2016, also at St. Joseph’s with Father Dennis C. Day, officiating.

Elaine was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 22, 1931, to Irwin W. and Eleanor J. Byrne Nippolt. Elaine and her family moved to Long Beach, Calif., where she grew up. She graduated from St. Anthony’s in 1949 and then went on to attend the Pasadena Play House and graduated in 1952.

In 1955 Elaine married James M. Miller and they had three sons together. Jim and Elaine and the boys moved to Cocolalla, Idaho, in 1970 to their 80-acre cattle ranch. Along with canning, knitting and caring for the family Elaine worked for Northern Lights for 25 years. Elaine, Jim and the family lived in Cocolalla happily until Jim’s death on Nov. 17, 1982.

On March 15, 1985, Elaine married R. W. Cox. They lived in Sagle for many years before retiring in Sandpoint.

Elaine loved her home, family and the church. She played piano for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for all three Masses each weekend for over 33 years. Along with the three Masses she played for countless weddings and funerals. Elaine loved a good party or backyard barbecue with friends and family gathered around to hear her Irish jokes and funny poems. She loved to make people laugh and was always so happy to host the neighborhood barbecues.

Elaine is survived by her three sons, Gary (Mary), Mike (Toni), and Chris (Aimee); her grandchildren, Rich, Trevor, Lucas, Clint, Mackenzie and Samantha; one great-grandchild, Mason; one brother, John; a nephew, Barry Cox; longtime friends, Ron and Patsy Gayton; and countless other friends, especially the Hutchins and Scrimsher families, who were friends and neighbors and who were always there to lend a helping hand.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Jim and Wes; her parents; and two brothers, Bob Nippolt and Jim Nippolt.

Donations can be made to Bonner County Hospice.

Family and friends are invited to sign Elaine’s online guestbook at www.coffeltfuneral,.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.