Obituary: Panttaja, Micki Lee
Age 55
PANTTAJA, Micki Lee
Micki Lee Panttaja, resident of Viola, Idaho, passed away on May 13, 2016 after a long but noble struggle with breast cancer.
She was 55.
She was born Micki Lee Goldthorpe, on August 23, 1960 in Suffern, NY to John and Marilee Goldthorpe.
A proud Highlander, she graduated valedictorian from Granada Hills High School, CA in 1978 where she also competed and lettered on the men’s All-County (Los Angeles) cross-country team.
She went on to earn a BA in Theatre and an MA in Playwriting from Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA.
A devoted and caring mother, she was also the first Moscow City Arts Coordinator, worked as a professional playwright publishing four plays, served as Executive Director to Festival Dance and Performing Arts, as the Public Relations and Marketing Officer for the Theatre Arts Department at the University of Idaho and Idaho Repertory Theatre and was finally the Director of Media Relations for the College of Letters Arts & Social Sciences at the University of Idaho.
An avid gardener and chicken lover, she also served as a Campfire Boy’s and Girl’s Leader and a tireless Scout mom.
Above all this personal accomplishment, she was a loving mother, consummate artist, playwright, and friend.
She was married to Dean Panttaja on September 15, 1984 in Arcata, CA in a church beneath her beloved redwoods.
She is survived by; her husband; her son Brayden, her daughter Shelby; her brothers Jeff and Clifford; and her parents John and Marilee.
Her life impacted so many, she will be truly missed by a large community of friends, family and colleagues.
Her public memorial will be held at a future date to be announced.
Arrangements have been entrusted to: Short’s Funeral Chapel, Moscow, and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.