Chester George Miller, age 82, of Helena, passed away December 23, 2021.
George was born March 25, 1939, in Sheridan, Wyoming. His family moved before he was two to Anaconda where his father was a metal mines geologist for the Anaconda Copper Company. The family moved to Phillipsburg when he was in elementary school to provide a better environment for the four children while his father continued to work in Anaconda. When George was eleven, his father died and the family moved to Big Timber where his mother worked as a waitress. When George finished eighth grade, they moved to Billings. George was very tall, and began playing basketball in junior high, continuing through high school. He was also a championship sprinter and hurdler.
After graduation, he attended Eastern Montana College in pre-engineering. Because of family finances, George could not finish college and became an apprentice baker and candy maker at the Rolling Pin Bakery. After finishing his apprenticeship, he married Betty Cox and had two sons, John and Lee. George worked as the head baker for Safeway in Havre, Miles City, and Bozeman, and Albertson’s in Billings. He then worked for A&I Distribution, driving a truck route in Northern Wyoming and Southeastern Montana.
In 1986 George retired and moved to Helena and married his high school sweetheart, Claudette Morton. When George married, he became stepfather to Claudette’s son, Eric. In 1980 they moved to Dillon where Claudette worked for Western Montana College. They sponsored a student from China, Paul Wong, who soon became their fourth son. Paul earned a degree in business, then was admitted to the MBA program at the University of Montana. After Paul graduated, the couple traveled to China and stayed with Paul and his wife in a Shanghai and toured the countryside. Because of George’s height, he was sought after for photos.
Meanwhile, George and Claudette returned to Helena where George began major renovations on their 1895 home. Because he carefully preserved the architectural details, the house received United States Historical Trust status. In addition to golfing, George became active in Democratic politics, serving as treasurer for the Lewis and Clark Country Democratic Action Club and as the cameraman for their monthly HCTV program.
George and Claudette traveled extensively throughout the US and abroad, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Just in the past ten years, they cruised to Alaska, traveled to France, Spain, Italy, and Greece.
George could always be counted on to help friends and family. He loved engaging in philosophical, historical, and political conversations.
George is survived by his first wife, Betty Miller of Billings; his current wife, Claudette Morton of Helena; son John Miller, his wife Song Chu, and grandchildren, Minyon and Ted, of Valrico, Florida; son Lee Miller and grandchildren, Matt and Kayden; Paul Wong, his wife Danna Pasi and two children of Shanghai; stepson Eric and his wife Sandi of Helena; and grandson Aiden and his wife Krista of Spearfish, South Dakota.
A Funeral Service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2022 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E 6th Ave., with burial to follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be held at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S Oakes St., after the burial. Memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday January 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Monday January 3, 2022
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Monday January 3, 2022
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday January 3, 2022
Retz Funeral Home Chapel
315 E 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
Following the service
Monday January 3, 2022
Forestvale Cemetery
690 Forestvale Rd.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the burial
Monday January 3, 2022
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 S Oakes St.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Judy & Dick Golberg says
Claudette and family – It was our pleasure to get to know George these past few years during our weekly coffee visits. So sorry for your loss. We will all miss him. The Golberg’s
Dennis Cates says
I got to know George because of my deceased wife’s friendship with Claudette. Such a nice couple! I will remember George as a gentle and caring person with a mild manner that was comforting to be around.
I am sorry to learn of your loss, Claudette.
John Ilgenfritz says
Claudette,
Sheena and I offer our condolences to you, family and all those who have been touched by George’s life and actions.
We knew you both through your citizenship as evidenced by participation and leadership in a variety of ’causes’ and efforts to improve the lives of those who often feel voiceless. His presence at Democratic Action Club meetings and various gatherings to promote the common good will certainly be missed. We need more “George’s” in the world.
We will honor his life through a contribution to the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity as suggested and, again, will be thinking of you in the coming year.
Jan Clinard says
George was kind, caring, and knowledgeable. His steadfast presence in Claudette’s life and in the lives of all who knew him will be greatly missed.
Judy Crabtree Trenka says
Dear Claudette, Thank you for sending the memorial message. It brought back a flood of memories from grade school and you helping me learn to ride my bike to the day George walked into Sunsilks asking if I knew where you lived.. So thankful that I could tell him, and “the rest is history”. I will always remember George’s great smile and gentle, kind spirit
You are in my thoughts and prayers.