On January 11, 2019, Heaven welcomed Kathy (Metully) Miller. She was greeted by her daughter, Barbara, grandson Robert Scott, brother Frank, her parents, Frank and Adeline, her in-laws, Silva and Ralph, her brother-in-law, Pete, sister-in-law, Yvonne, and many other family members and friends.
Mary Kathryn Metully (Kathy) was born October 20, 1933 to Frank and Adeline Metully in Butte, Montana. Kathy was a true Butte gal, gritty and hard-working, poised and proud. She attended elementary school and graduated from Butte High School in 1951. Kathy played clarinet in the Butte High marching band and studied accordion privately.
Kathy attended WMCE (UM Western) in 1951 and met the love of her life, Tom Miller. After three dates, Tom was allowed to “get a smooch”. They were married December 21, 1952 in Butte and recently celebrated 66 blissful years of marriage. Their special and rare love set an example for their children and grandchildren and was the centerpiece of the entire Miller family.
Tom’s stint in the U.S. Army brought them to Rochefort, France where their oldest child, son Tom Jr. was born in 1955. Upon returning, Kathy received her teaching certificate from Western in Dillon, Montana. While living in Dillon, their only daughter Barbara was born in 1956.
To begin her noteworthy teaching career, which was spent side by side with her husband, Kathy taught in Hamilton and Corvallis, MT. Tom’s career brought them to Darby, MT where their youngest son, Scott, was born in 1961.
The Miller family moved to Helena in 1964 where Mr. C.R. Anderson offered Kathy a teaching position at Central School. After a few years, Kathy moved to Broadwater School where she taught for 18 years behind her infamous purple classroom door. She then transferred to C.R. Anderson School where she taught 6th grade math. Kathy received her degree and additional credits from Carroll College while teaching in Helena and managing her family. Kathy spent her last days reminiscing about her students, whom she loved like her own children, her memories of her school days, and the joys her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren brought into her life.
In 1977, Kathy’s colleagues voted her Helena’s Teacher of the Year–a much deserved honor.
Kathy and Tom retired in 1991 with 71 combined years in education to spend time chasing their grandchildren, making popcorn balls and chicken noodle soup, and cherishing the life they built while growing old together.
Kathy belonged to several professional organizations. She was a Past Matron of Mariam Chapter #1 of the Order of Eastern Star, member of Naomi Chapter #19 of the Order of Eastern Star, Past Grand Matron of the State of Montana OES, Past Queen of the Sapphira Temple, Daughters of the Nile, Past President of Helena’s Woman’s Club, PEO Member, Delta Kappa Gamma, Helena Retired Teachers Association, and was the first woman president of MTASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development). She was a member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and a lifelong Democrat.
Kathy leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family members who will think of her whenever they see a ladybug. All those who knew Kathy loved her immensely, for she brought a great light to the world.
She will always be remembered by all those who forever love her as a glamourous, classy, beautiful, feisty, amazing, unforgettable wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend. Kathy is survived by her loving husband Tom, son Tom Jr. and his wife Carolyn, son Scott and his wife Carolyn, Colleen Lippke, grandchildren Thomas III Miller (Emily), Nick Morales (Emma), Drew Miller (Kendra), Lauren Miller, Matt Miller (Sarah), Mary Miller (Zach), and great grandchildren Adelle Morales, Saxon and Avery Miller, and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks the BeeHive Homes staff, The Very Reverend Scott Anderson, and the St. Peter’s Hospital doctors and nurses for the excellent and compassionate care demonstrated in many ways.
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always.”
A Celebration of Kathy’s Life is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A Reception will follow the service in the Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to donor’s choice or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children (911 W. 5th Ave.) in Spokane, Washington 99204.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Kathy.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Thursday January 17, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday January 17, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
10:30 a.m.
Thursday January 17, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the service
Thursday January 17, 2019
Social Hall of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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W Tabaracci says
So sorry to hear about “Mrs. Miller’s “ passing. We all remember her fondly. Her height, those high heels and the look that meant business! But especially, her love for kids at Broadwater. Please know you are in our prayers.
The Bennetts
Mary Kay Bennett says
Wonderful visiting the Miller family at Jade Garden last evening..I can see why Kathy was so proud of you all.
Beautiful woman, inside & out.
She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Mary Kay & George Bennett. 💜
Pat wade says
Tom: I am so sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. She will be missed by so many people. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. You and your family are all in my thoughts and prayers. Pat Wade
Rhonda Robertson says
Dear Miller Family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Mrs. Miller. She was my 4th grade teacher at Central School. I truly remember her as being a very nice caring teacher. One thought that I have never forgotten was that my grandfather passed away in March of that year and when I returned to school she fondly gave me a warm hug and expressed her concern and sympathy for me. At a young age of 9 this was so impressive to me. I saw her many years later and introduced myself. It was nice seeing her and when asked how she was doing she simply said great just great! It seemed she was having trouble walking and might have been in some pain but it didn’t seem to hold her up in anyway. Again I do hope that all the wonderful memories you hold so close within your hearts will sustain you in the days ahead. You have my heartfelt and deep sympathy.
Rhonda Robertson (Strainer)
Lulu says
God promised new world will be as real to you as if it were already here. And you will see clearly with eyes of faith that Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and God’s Kingdom are all realities,not delusions.
Lynn Solomon says
I was lucky enough to have Mrs Miller as my fifth grade teacher, and what an exceptional example she set … Classy and strong, yet so kind. I’m so grateful for all my wonderful Broadwater teachers all those years ago. Here’s to Mrs Miller. Deep peace to her.
Barbara Cole says
So many good memories of this elegant lady, she looked elegant but on the inside she treated everyone as an equal and a friend. I feel privileged to count myself has her friend and Star sister.
Sandi Watkins Smith says
Tom and Family,
I was saddened to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a role model for us all. What a gracious woman she was and I am so glad I had the honor of knowing her. Tom, I know you will be so lonesome without your life partner. I am currently in Mexico and will miss Kathy’s service but want you to know that my heart and thoughts are with you all as you celebrate the life of this outstanding woman, one of the finest human beings I have known.
Gail Maehl says
Mrs Miller was my 6th grade teacher at Broadwater and one of my favorite of all time! I loved her energy, spirit. She absolutely was unforgettable and will be missed. She was truly a lovely lady… God bless your family!
Gail MacKinnon Maehl
Deb Kralicek says
Kathy was always so welcoming and always had a smile. I remember being with Barb studying one night for a test. Unfortunately we were having more fun talking about boys then preparing for a test, when Kathy came in and suggested she quiz us and see how we were doing. To say the least we realized we had . She was a great roll model for my daughter. I will always be thankful for all she did for her at a very difficult time. Prayers and blessings to all the family.
K.C. Hill says
I was a 5th grade student of Mrs. Miller at Broadwater School. What a great teacher she was and SO classy, Classy, CLASSY! I recall she turned 40 the year I was a student. Her fellow teachers (I suspect Mr. Olson was the ring-leader) attached a seat belt to the stool she sat on to lecture so she wouldn’t fall off due to those high heels and her “old age.” When I would see her around town as an adult she was always engaging and thanked me for approaching her to chat. I wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Rachelle Burckhard says
Kathy was a fabulous lady. I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of caring for her. I know she made a lasting impression on me. She was a spitfire and I absolutely love that about her! I know she will be greatly missed. She touched the lives of so many people. Thoughts and prayers to Tom and family.
Rita A Williams says
Dear Tom and Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Kathy. She was a beautiful women. I dd not know her well but she was always warm and friendly whenever I saw her.
You are in my prayers.
Jeri Domme says
Tom and Family,
I am so sorry for the passing of Kathy. What a wonderful person and lady. Loved her humor and high heels. I also remember you two ‘cutting a pretty mean rug’ in your dancing days. I’ve always heard that ‘When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know’. So, be aware for a few pranks as well as a few loving pats.
I am not able to be @ the service because of a cold that does not want to leave.
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Tom and Jeri Domme.
Janet &Ken Neumiller says
Hi Tom and family, we were so sad to read of Kathy’s passing. What a beautiful lady will be joining the rest of her family in heaven! She touched so many lives. I think everyone of her students have a Mrs. Miller story to tell. For some reason my 3 Jacobs’ kids never got to have her as a teacher. They all remember her beautiful attire and high heels though. What a classy lady with a great sense of humor. We will remember her fondly as we talk about “school days” as we often do. Our love and prayers are with you all.
WAYNE BOECK says
DEAR TOM,
CATHY WAS A VERY CLASSY LADY, A WONDERFUL PERSON, AND BOTH OF YOU MAKE MY LIFE MORE FULL KNOWING AND TALKING WITH THE TWO OF YOU. GOD BLESS THE TWO OF YOU!
WAYNE
Carolyn Coyle says
What an extraordinary person! She brought light wherever she went. She set the bar for grace and elegance in her battle with autoimmune disease. What a great honor to know her and Tom!
John and Gwynn Mundinger says
Thank you, Kathy Miller, for your inspirational teaching and insight when our daughters attended CRA Middle School.
Tom, you and Kathy have our highest regard. We extend our deepest sympathy.
George Lane says
Brother Tom,
I and your entire Masonic family are saddened at the passing of Kathy. She was a fine and generous lady. She will be missed.
Colleen Rhein Carpenter says
Kathy Miller (Mrs. Miller) was my 4th grade teacher at Central School. I shall never forget her high heels and her strong warmth. Through my mother, also a teacher at Central, I got to know Tom and Kathy after I graduated from HHS. She won’t be forgotten.
Chrysley Pimenta says
Thanks, Kathy Miller, for being my Mom for a period in 1973. As an exchange student I had so many expectations, until I met you and felt safe, loved, guided… You were not only elegant, classy, beautiful. You were strong, brave, nice, sweet and kind! I was included in this family forever! Mom Kathy made this possible with her love. Now I feel so sorry for Dad Tom and my brothers, Tom and Scott. I wish you peace, faith, and the strength Mom taught us to overcome our losses and sorrows… She will be in our hearts forever!!!
Dear Family, my prayers and my love. She will never be forgotten… You are all in my heart! Thanks for having the opportunity to be in your family and be able to share your kindness. God bless you all!
Diana Stewart says
Oh what an amazing woman and teacher Mrs. Miller was. He favorite color was purple and she loved her lady bugs. I remember her finger nails were always long and beautiful. She was a woman with class! She was a great teacher and friend. She will be dearly missed. What a blessing she was too many people in our community and the Masonic community as well. Rest In Peace my special 6 th grade teacher. Until we meet again…
Kat Coleman Reilly says
Scott your mom was a lovely, wonderful person. The greatest teacher a 4th grader could have….. Thinking of you all. God Bless.
Michele Abney says
Tom,
I am in Arizona, so I won’t be able to attend the service for Kathy. She was a classy lady who married a “gentleman”. You two were a great asset to the Helena Public Schools and community. I will hold you in my thoughts as you go forward without her.
Raynold Kunnary says
To the Miller family-
What a wonderful person Kathy was. She was always pleasant and ready to lend a helping hand. Sorry for your loss we are sure that Kathy will be missed by all.
God Bless you Kathy – you are now in the greatest place of all.
Matt & Mary Kunnary