Mary Elizabeth Miller, age 76, passed away on February 2, 2021 in her home in Helena, MT. Mary came into this world on a snowy Christmas Day in 1944 in Havre, MT; the only child born to Cecil Wilson and Josephine (DuBois) Rupple. Mary attended school in Havre and Helena; she received her GED certificate in Helena. Mary met William (Bill) Miller in 1963, they then got married in 1964 and raised six children together. Mary enjoyed being a Navy wife for the first 11 years of their marriage; moving many times, living on both coasts, and seeing the country with her family. The family moved back to Montana in 1975.
Mary was primarily a housewife and mother, however; she did take on various jobs from time to time. She sold Avon and cleaning supplies, was a waitress and baker, a casino manager, helped at the Helena Indian Alliance with organizing native dance instruction and powwows, and she worked at The Salvation Army helping people with applications for food and toy baskets at Christmas time. Mary loved to do crafts, beadwork, and make special occasion cards. The personal cards that she created and gave as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and anniversaries have been saved by many and will be treasured always.
Mary enjoyed camping and fishing, watching football (Go Cowboys!!), planting and tending to her flowers and tomato plants. She loved to watch cooking shows, play online games and enjoyed card games with her family – especially cribbage -, and bake with the grandkids. Mary especially enjoyed lunches out with her family and attending the Women’s League group at the Salvation Army church. New Year’s Day was always a family get together with her traditional homemade Menudo (hang-over soup) and fry bread. She was an avid bible reader, prayer warrior, loved her dog Baby Girl and her cat Momma Kitty. Mary spent endless hours with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary had a number of collections, the largest being her salt and pepper shakers. She accumulated nearly 400 sets in her lifetime.
Mary is survived by her children Joseph Miller, Vickie Miller, Dallas Miller, and Michelle (Tom) Twiford. Grandchildren Jason Miller, Allesha Lynch, Meagan Miller, Joseph Miller, Tiffany Huberty, Homer Key, Jethro Green, Jessyca Green, Jolene Green, Joselyn Lambert, Sarah Miller, Dillon Twiford, and Joseph Murphy. She was also proud to announce to anyone that would listen that she had 32 great-grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by husband of 35 years, Bill; her beloved son, Billy; and her adored daughter, Bernadette.
Services will be held Monday, February 8th at 1 p.m. at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave, with a Graveside Service to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. Following the burial will be a Reception luncheon in the social hall at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local Humane Society or Salvation Army Church.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday February 8, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 PM
Monday February 8, 2021
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the Burial
Monday February 8, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Shannon Taylor says
I am sorry for your family’s loss, she was a great lady and will be missed by many! Lots of love from my family to yours.
Sharon R Meyer says
I am so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing, my thoughts and prayers are with her family. I always enjoyed knowing and visiting with Mary she was a lovely lady. She will be missed very much especially by her family they meant everything to her. God Bless you all. RIP Mary!
Trinka Michalson says
I first met Mary when she came to work at the health dept. She always had a big smile and was such a joy to work around. We shared a kinship of family, and although we never stayed in touch, we always enjoyed bumping into each other and catching up in our travels. Godspeed, my friend.
Mari & Ed Williams says
Our family is thinking of you all during this most difficult of times. Mary was a beautiful person, inside and out! We loved to go to dinner with her and Bill at Tony’s for Prime Rib. Rest in peace beautiful Mary and hug that rascal Bill for us❤️
Tammy Smith says
Mary was a great Mother-in-Law. Grandma, friend & crafting buddy. If it wasn’t for Mary I wouldn’t have a whole room of card stock & embellishments. We will miss you dearly. We love you Grandma Miller.
Angela Rowan says
I’m very sadden for the loss of a beautiful heart and soul. I so much enjoyed her. At times she was a second mom when I was a kid. As an adult I enjoyed our conversation. It’s been about a year since I last seen her. She will be missed very much so. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my heart and prayers. 🙏🙏🙏
John & Pat Armstrong says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and an even better neighbor. We spent May days at the fence discussing world problems. We solved them all. We will miss her smiling face great conversation Baby Girl and miss kitty. You are all in our prayers. I imagine her dancing on a cloud with your dad.