KTVB file photo

Former Idaho Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth-Hage died last week. She was memorialized in Meridian Monday by family, friends and political colleagues.

MERIDIAN – Idaho bid farewell today to one of the state’s great political lightning rods.

Former Idaho Congresswoman Helen Chenoweth-Hage died in a car crash in Nevada a week ago.  She was 68.

She was memorialized today in song, prayer and words of kindness from family members and political colleagues who gathered at Meridian's Capital Christian Center.

Hundreds of friends, family, and dignitaries packed the church.

The crowd included the top political leaders in Idaho - from Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne - to the entire Idaho Congressional delegation.

Chenoweth’s granddaughter spoke first about her political career and the things she loved.

“Helen loved God. She loved her family. She loved our God-given rights and the heart of those willing to serve a country that would defend those rights. She loved good law. She loved justice. She loved Idaho, the western way of life and the idea that is America. She loved life,” said Brandy Chenoweth, granddaughter.

Political leaders spoke about Chenoweth passion for politics and what she meant to our state.

“Helen was a woman of phenomenal principal who believed so strongly in limited government,” said Sen. Larry Craig.

“Idaho has lost one of its truly unique and accomplished citizens.  Helen will be remembered as a tireless advocated for individual property rights. She brought a passion and an energy to that battle that was unparalleled. Helen was never afraid of an issue no matter how controversial,” said Gov. Jim Risch.

Rep. Butch Otter who succeeded Chenoweth-Hage in Congress, said she lived her life with a fervor that show how much she loved Idaho.