Marilyn Faye Miller, age 83, passed away on January 1, 2026, in Helena, Montana. She was born on February 22, 1942, in Helena and grew up in both Butte and Helena, places she always considered home.
Marilyn faced her diagnosis of brain glioblastoma with extraordinary bravery and grace. Her strength and composure never wavered. After her diagnosis, her only wish was to spend one last Christmas surrounded by her family, a wish that was lovingly fulfilled and will forever be cherished.
After graduating high school in the top of her class, Marilyn was offered multiple scholarship opportunities to attend college. She chose instead to marry her high school sweetheart, David “Dave” Miller, and dedicate her life to raising a family. Family was the most important part of Marilyn’s life, and her love and devotion to those she cherished defined who she was.
In addition to her devotion to family, Marilyn leaves a lasting legacy as a respected public servant for the State of Montana. Over the course of a long and distinguished career, she held many roles before concluding her career with eight terms as Chief Clerk of the House and eight terms as Secretary of the Senate. Marilyn’s strong, gentle, kind, and intelligent presence guided countless legislators through the years with fairness, wisdom, and integrity. In recognition of her service and impact, the State of Montana honored her in November 2024 by designating the Senate leadership office as the Marilyn Miller Senate Suite. Marilyn’s dedication plaque states, “She was a paragon of service, civility and professionalism.”
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David Miller; her father, Lawrence M. Brewer; her mother, Gladys Verlanic Brewer; her brother, Reginald Brewer; and her sister, Linda Collier.
She is survived by her daughter, Laurie Bakri (Mohamed); her sons, Nate Miller and David Miller (Robin); and her grandchildren, Jessica Miller (Stacey), Derek Miller (Britta), Reece Miller, Shelby Wrzesinski (Cavan), Raef Miller; and Nick Miller. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Harper, and Kinley Mosby; Bridger Marks and Colson Stolle; and Crew Wrzesinski.
Marilyn is further survived by her sister, Susan Brewer Anderson (Robert); her sister-in-law, Kathleen Brewer; her brother, George Brewer; and many treasured nieces and nephews across the country.
Marilyn will be remembered with a Celebration of Life on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Life Covenant Church. A luncheon will be provided following the service, with an open-microphone for anyone who wishes to share memories of Marilyn. The services will be livestreamed through the Life Covenant Church website: https://lifecchelena.org/
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aspen Adult Services in honor of Marilyn, and the love she had for her great-granddaughter Kinley. Donations can be made at www.givetoaspen.org or mailed to 314 N. Last Chance Gulch #206, Helena, MT 59601.
Marilyn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to family, her quiet strength, and a lifetime of service marked by kindness, intelligence, and grace. Her legacy lives on through both the family she loved so deeply and the state she served with distinction.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00am
Saturday January 17, 2026
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Saturday January 17, 2026
Life Covenant Church
800 N Hoback Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dee Golbert says
I spent many hours visiting with Marylin during the years my Husband Bob Gilbert(Oily Bob) served in the legislature and as a Lobbyist Marylin was a wonderful lady and will be missed by many. Wish I could be there to share in her Services. I am sure some will remember us. My Husband passed away on May 24, 2023.
Dee Gilbert says
Marylin was a wonderful lady. I spent many hours visiting with her during the years my Husband Bob (Oily) Gilbert served in the Legeslature and as a Lobbyist. My Husband passed away on May 24, 2023. Marylin will
be missed by many. I would love to be there for her services but I don’t drive that far. I will keep all of you in my Prayers.
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Marilyn will certainly be missed. Her professional, wise political leadership is a thing of the past these days in politics. She was our friend and someone we greatly admired. Our sincere sympathy goes out to the entire Miller family at this difficult time.
Kim Gillan says
My heart goes out to her family and I feel so fortunate to have worked with Marilyn during my time in the MT legislature. I was shocked to read the news article; I spent about 30 minutes chatting with her at the Old Timer’s Dinner this past April in Helena. Unfortunately, I won’t be here for the services…maybe they will be streamed…but let me share that Marilyn was an incredible role model for everyone…and conducted herself with grace, kindness, humor…She was a force of positivity.
M Susan Geise says
Marilyn Miller, whip smart, organized, calm, kind who loved the legislature. Regardless of a person’s party Marilyn treated each of us equally professionally, thoughtfully and wisely. She was a marvel.
Susan Good Geise
Laurie Bakri says
Marilyn’s service will be live streamed from the Life Covenant website. Lifecchelena.org.
Norm Desterre says
Marilyn added class and dignity to the Senate .She compensated for the ignorance of some and the crudeness of others .She on her own made ” It” work.She was a leader to all. She will be missed.Bless her soul!!!
Juli Peden says
I was very saddened when I heard about Marilyn’s passing. She was a very good friend in junior high and high school and got me through ninth grade Algebra. She was one of the smartest people I ever knew and I always felt she was capable of doing anything. She played the accompaniment (piano) for both chorus and ensemble in junior high and high school and I never heard a mistake. She was a special person. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Janine Miller says
This was so sad to learn. We were in a lot of classes together in highschool. In typing, we had a friendly competition. One time she’d type 120 wpm and the next time I would. We giggled so much. I didn’t live in Helena for many years so we grew apart. I’ll always love and remember my good friend, though. Prayers for her family.
StoneCarlsons of Helena says
Our sincere sympathies to all Marilyn’s family, colleagues & friends here in her Helena sphere & beyond. She was truly dedicated in her role in our Montana legislature. It wouldn’t have functioned as well without her.
We agree and embrace all the thoughts & fine memory comments already made at this site. Having very much experienced 1st hand in our own legislative work her astute professional manner, we were driven to model the very kindness she exhibited to all sides of the aisles.
Many have long admired her remarkable ability to handle anything & everything that would cross her path.
May she truly rest in peace.
Stone Carlson Family
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Al Arvish says
My dear sweet cousin will be greatly missed. As stated, family was important to her. She never missed our frequent cousin get togethers and was looking forward to the next one in August. My favorite memory of her and Dave was that I joined them on their honeymoon. They did not have enough money so they joined my mom and me on a trip to San Diego.
To her kids/grandkids/great grandkids, I am so sorry. It would be great if any of you could attend our next cousins connection.
Susan Parrett says
This is a beautifully written obituary – my deepest sympathy. May the wonderful memories of Marilyn warm your hearts in the days to come.
Joe DeFilippis says
I didn’t know Marilyn for very long, however I do remember her kindness and being available for any question when I worked at the Capitol. Condolences to the entire family at this time.
Betti hill says
Rick and I both loved Marilyn. She was a huge part of our work lives for over 40 years. I’ve never meant a harder working person. She was able to examine details like no one else I knew. Her kind spirit and loving approach to people made her extra special. And we know how she loved loved her dear family. God bless you all at this difficult time. Rick and Betti Hill
Margie Peterson says
To Marilyn’s Family and especially Susan,
I am so very sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing and I hope time will help heal all your sorrow. I’m sure I share this with many people… she was a wonderful person and a delight to know and work with all those years.
I worked for, and with, Marilyn in a few different areas, as Appropriations Committee Secretary for the 1995 and 1997 legislative sessions and then as part of the IT team who developed the legislative software. She managed all the committees and all the legislative staff with kindness, respect and calmness. She had an incredible knack of getting all the bills through the entire process of deadlines as smoothly as possible.
In meetings or visiting in our offices, it would amaze me how she could stay so calm with so much going on around her – managing people from all over the state of Montana – those who were legislators, lobbyists, the public and all the staff, simultaneously. Her professionalism will be unmatched.
As both Chief Clerk of the House and Secretary of the Senate, Marilyn kept her incredible demeanor throughout her whole career and she was highly respected for her intelligence and her logical decisions. She is indeed an icon of the Montana State Capitol and admired by so many people whose lives she touched. She will truly be missed by all. My heartfelt condolescenses to her family and friends.
Rick Bartos says
To Marilyn’s family
A true Montanan. Super mother, mentor, sincere and appreciative of those around her. Met Marilyn in 1981. I was legal Counsel to State Supt Argenbright. Marilyn was advisor. She was a strong advocate for public schools, admired teachers, advocated girl sports equality. Married to David a dedicated teacher/coach and three kids formed her foundation of respect, hard work and common sense. Later I was asked to be Chief Legal Counsel for Gov. Stephens. Once again Marilyn served as social service advisor to Governor. The state faced multiple challenges, underfunded schools, state prison riot, emergency train explosions, derailed trains into Whitefish Lake to name a few, I was thankful that Marilyn was on the Governor’s collaborative team.
In those early years, legislators also recognized her unique skills and dedication. Our legislative system would be in safe hands with Marilyn’s quiet and bipartisan behind the scene leadership.
But most of all It was her family, her husband and her children and grandkids who were priority. Not a day went by unless I knew about Lauire’s successes or little Dave’s wrestling accomplishments or Nate’s sport and school activities. I am sure that pride extended to the grandkids. Rest assured God’s grace surrounds Marilyn and his gentle ways will remind you of your Mom and Grandmother for years to come. May perpetual light shine upon Marilyn. Montana thanks you.