Gary Lee Miller left this world peacefully surrounded by family at home on July 11, 2016. Gary was born September 4, 1939 to Leslie and Freda Miller in Havre, Montana. Gary attended grades 1 – 8 in a one-room school house at Lloyd School. Gary met the love of his life, Shirley Bennett, while attending Chinook High School. Gary and Shirley married on September 26, 1959. They had three daughters Debbie, Teri, and Mitzi. Together they worked and lived on the Miller Ranch at Lloyd. He was one tough ole rancher and never complained no matter the difficulties. Gary was a hard worker but also a fun loving man. He was always there for his family. Gary was a champion story teller and had a great cache of jokes for all. He loved his family and enjoyed time with his friends. Gary and Shirley moved to Chinook in 1978. Gary worked for Tri County Implement for several years selling farm equipment. In 1981, they moved to Great Falls where he operated Industrial Ag and sold Steiger Tractors. He put on annual “tractor fest” parties for customers. Gary later operated the Water Doctor selling water systems. Gary and Shirley loved to camp and boat at Holter Lake. Gary had many hobbies including stained glass, wood working, and playing his prized guitars. After Shirley retired, they started spending their winters in Mesa Arizona to be close to his mother Freda. They purchased a motor home and travelled back and forth for 18 years. While they had their motorhome, they went on several long trips with their friends, including Alaska. They usually stopped by Reno to see Mitzi and her family on the way to or from Arizona. Last year Gary treated the entire family to a cruise through the Inland Passage to Alaska. Gary’s favorite trips were the cruises through the Panama Canal and the Inland Passage. While in Arizona, Gary won several shuffleboard tournaments and played many hands of cards. He and Shirley became avid Suns and Cardinal fans. Gary always put family and friends’ needs ahead of his own. He was the best husband, father, grandfather and friend a person could ask for. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Freda, a sister Shirley, and numerous aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters Debbie (Terry) Churchill, Teri (Roche) Juneau, Mitzi (Martin) Bain, grandchildren Philip Churchill, Sara Juneau, Chase (Kaity) Juneau, Kate Bain, Andrew Bain, and great grandson Elijah Juneau. He is also survived by a brother Max (Leah) Miller, aunt Marietta Mosser, and many other relatives.
A memorial service will be held Monday, July 25, 2016, at 12:00 p.m. at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, Montana. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing, P.O. Box 695, La Plata, Maryland 20646 and write Helena or Great Falls Montana Project in the memo of the check or go online to projecthealingwaters.org and designate to the Helena or Great Falls Montana Projects in memory of Gary Miller, or simply donate to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Life
Monday July 25, 2016
Social Center of the funeral home
,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
12:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Life
Monday July 25, 2016
Social Center of the funeral home
,
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Dan and Linda Gaughan says
Teri and Roche, we are so sorry for your loss. God be with you and your family during this sad and difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Lauri Cornelius says
Dear Shirley, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. C Street will never be the same.
Doug Chapman says
Shirley and family, I was sorry to hear of your loss of Gary this week. As we view the circle of life, we certainly miss those who left us behind, but look back with eyes of memory on the good times we shared. Our many extended family July 4th celebrations at the Miller Ranch will always be alive in my mind.
Andre and Gigi says
Our deepest sympathy, take care of yourself.
Love Andre and Gigi
Rod & Ann Seeds says
So sorry for your loss. Gary always had a smile on his face, even though he struggled for a long time with oxygen. Knew the Millers from Arizona and always enjoyed their company.
Pam Wensel says
Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing, we did not know him well, but we knew him through you. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family
Hugs and Blessings Pam and Norb Wensel
Carole Davies says
Very sincere condolences Shirley for your great loss, Carole
Martin and Evelyn Osika says
Shirley and family. We were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing As new residents of Aztec Park we got to know you both and always enjoyed our visits with you. We only knew Gary for a few short years , but soon learned what a special friend he was. You all are in our prayers . Please take care of yourselves. Martin and Evelyn – E22
Kori R. Dee says
Prayers to all the family and special condolences to Debbie and Terry – your Dad is now an angel watching over you! Be comforted in knowing how much he was loved by his friends and family. Steve and Kori Dee
Judy and Rick Runge says
We will miss Gary’s quick wit and great stories. So glad that we had the opportunity to get to know him. Our plans for the 25th are dependent on Canada Post delivering my passport. Regardless of the outcome please know our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
Al & Kathy Cushman says
We were down to visit with you folks today (7-16-2016) and found out that Gary had passed away. We are so sorry for your loss and our prays are with you. We hope that our next trip to Montana, we will be able to see you.
Carol and Dale says
Dear friend…thinking of you at this sad time. We will all miss Gary and his friendly, fun-loving attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerest sympathy…..love and hugs. Carol and Dale.
Dave & Tracy Miranda says
Teri, Roche and all. We are thinking of you at this time. So sorry for your loss.
Dave & Tracy Miranda
Barbara Lafrantz says
Shirley and family. Thinking of you and yours at the time of your loss. The last time I saw you and Gary was at a parade in Chinook. You stood there and took the time to tell me the participants in the parade I didn’t know. I will always remember your kindness and also Gary’s. I was raised close to Lloyd in Cleveland and also attended a one-room schoolhouse. God Bless you all and my sincere sympathy.
Patrick Leeds says
I was deeply sorry to hear about the passing of Gary. He was a great man and memories of him when I grew up in Chinook. He will be missed tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who share the sadness over this great loss.
Marc Brainard says
The Bearpaw Mtns lost a true cattleman. Always enjoyed seeing Gary and Shirley when delivering fuel with my father, growing up in Chinook.
Ken overcast says
Shirley and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We are remembering all the good times we’ve had with you guys. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken and Dawn
Shel and Al Stoner says
So sorry to hear of Gary,s passing. We and Shirley go back to the ate 50 ‘s at NMC, and then got reacquainted in Mesa. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Most sincerely, Shel and Al Stoner
George & Nita Tyner says
Shirley and girls we are so sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful guy, friend to all and a great card player. We enjoyed our trips to Eden Bridge. Gary will be missed by all. Unable to attend the celebration of life due to previous commitments. Our prayers are with you.
George and Nita Tyner