BOISE -- A fatal accident near her Nevada ranch Monday afternoon took the life of a longtime Idaho politician.

KTVB

Helen Chenoweth-Hage died Monday in a car accident in Nevada. She was 68.

Helen Chenoweth-Hage was the passenger, her 24-year old daughter-in-law, Yelenda Hage the driver in the deadly accident.

Sitting on Chenoweth-Hage's lap was her five-month old grandson Bryan.

The Nevada Highway Patrol says the family was headed to Tonopah, a small Nevada town 63 miles from the family's Pine Creek ranch.

Chenoweth-Hage and her family had already made 51 miles of the trip.

Officers believe inattentive driving was the cause of the crash.

It’s believe Yelenda drifted off the highway, but overcorrected, causing the Ford Expedition to flip.

Chenoweth-Hage and her grandson were ejected from the SUV.  She and the baby were not wearing seatbelts.

The baby was flown to a Reno hospital, but only suffered scratches and bruises.

Yelenda was also taken to the hospital but is doing well.

Chenoweth-Hage died at the scene.

NewsChannel 7 talked with her daughter Meg Keenan and she sent us this statement:

"Helen was the most amazing, gracious person I ever had the privilege to know.  She was fearless in life, and I know she welcomes the opportunity to be in the presence of god the father."

There was reaction to the death of Chenoweth-Hage from Idaho to Washington.

Those who knew her and worked with her say Idaho has lost a political icon.

“When the name Helen Chenoweth was mentioned around the country, you didn't really have to say who she was.  People knew her,” said Dr. Jim Weatherby.

Helen Chenoweth-Hage made a name for herself in Idaho politics over 30 years ago.  A former director of the state Republican Party, Chenoweth-Hage served went on to serve on campaigns, and in Congress from 1994 to 2000.  A six-year term limit promise she made before taking office. 

“When the six years were up, she could have easily been reelected, she could have easily carried on, but she said ‘no I made that promise and I'm going to stick with that promise,’” said Gov. Jim Risch.

Her friends and colleagues say she also stuck to her guns on the issues.  A controversial and colorful politician who gained national attention by holding "endangered salmon bakes" and was at the front of the charge against Bill Clinton during the White House scandal.

“I'm sure that you can find on cars even today slogans either pro or con as it comes to Helen Chenoweth.  She was a real lightening rod,” said Weatherby.

But loved by many as well.  Chenoweth-Hage never lost an election.

“Helen's one of those people that will always be with Idahoans,” said Rep. Butch Otter.

Otter replaced Chenoweth-Hage in Congress. 

“When they'd say 'now who did you replace in Congress?'  And I'd say 'Helen Chenoweth.'  And they'd always have some comment like one tough lady,” said Otter.

“She had a great love for America and the state of Idaho.  She brought a passion and energy to the issues that will be greatly missed by everyone,” said Risch.

“It's a loss to her friends and her family and I think it's the end of a very significant chapter in Idaho politics,” said Weatherby.

Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo called her a devoted public servant, saying there will never be another like her.

There is a memorial service planned for next Monday at 2 p.m. at the Capital Christian Center in Meridian.

Reporter Ysabel Bilbao contributed to this report.