In Memory of Tom W. Miller, age 90, of Helena
December 16, 1932—November 23, 2023
On November 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, Heaven welcomed Tom Miller. He was greeted by the love of his life, Mary Katherine (Metully) Miller, his daughter Barb, grandson Robert Scott, his best friend and brother Pete, his sister-in-law Yvonne, his parents, Ralph and Silva, his in-laws, Frank and Adeline, and many other family members and friends.
Tom, a proud Bitterrooter, was born on his grandparent’s farm in Woodside, Montana, to Ralph and Silva (Sessions) Miller. His grandparents were early settlers of the Dutch Hill—Woodside area. Tom attended Corvallis schools and graduated with the Class of 1950.
Tom attended college in Dillon, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in education. During the 1952-1953 school year, he taught sixth grade in Corvallis on a two-year certificate. In May 1953, President Eisenhower sent Tom a congratulatory letter that notified him that he was invited to join the United States Army. Ever the proud Democrat, Tom accepted Ike’s offer and reported for duty that June. After directing an Education Center in Rochefort, France, Tom received an Honorable Discharge in June of 1955.
His other professional experience included teaching in Dillon and Hamilton and serving an elementary school principal in Darby and in several Helena schools, including Ray Bjork, Jefferson, May Butler, C.R. Anderson Elementary, Hawthorne, and Bryant. He also spent several years as the Junior High School Principal at C.R. Anderson. Tom was Director of Field Services for the Montana Education Association during the 1964-1965 school year. He retired after a total of 38 years of experience, but he immediately began supervising student teachers for several universities. He often said that he wished he could do it all over again. His pithy educational philosophy was: Know your stuff; Know whom you are stuffing, and Stuff them.
Tom was proud to be a 51-year Mason, a member of the Ottawa Lodge, Marysville, as well as a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, an Algeria Shrine member, a member of the Kiwanis Club, and a Vestry member of S. Peter’s Episcopal Church. He served twice as Worthy Patron of Miriam Chapter, OES. In 1983, the Grand Chapter of Montana elected Tom as Worthy Grand Patron.
Tom was an accomplished musician. He learned much from his various stints playing the piano in dance bands as he worked his way through college. Everyone who played music with him enjoyed it greatly. He spent over 25 years as the organist for the Miriam Chapter. He also played the organ for many funeral services for Retz and Anderson Stevenson & Wilke Funeral Homes.
Although he would assiduously deny it, this inspirational retired teacher and principal had a significant, and long-lasting, impact on the lives of all the many faculty, staff, and students around Helena. He never met a stranger, and his influence extended to hundreds of friends and acquaintances he made during his life—especially those at BeeHive Homes (The Legacy). His family was especially blessed by his wisdom, insight, and ability to work with others.
Tom is survived by his sons Tom, Jr. (Carolyn) and Scott (Carolyn), his grandchildren Thomas III (Emily), Drew (Kendra), Lauren (CJ Evans), Matt (Sarah), Mary (Zach Hulse), Nick (Emma), Julito, and Karel Morales, and his great-grandchildren, Bennett, Saxon, Avery, Charley, Peyton, Marlowe, and Adelle.
The family thanks the BeeHive Homes staff, the St. Peter’s Hospital doctors and nurses, and the nurses and staff at Cooney Healthcare for their excellent and compassionate care they demonstrated in many ways.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Shriners Hospitals for children.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday June 1, 2024
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 1, 2024
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday June 1, 2024
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 North Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
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George Lane says
I remember Brother Tom with fond memories at Masonic events. He was a true Mason and a good friend. Our fraternity has lost valuable Brother. He will be missed by all of us.
Dani Crowley says
Mr. Miller was a magnificent Principal… So kind, so interested in each student, and really took the time to understand what each student and family needed. He made himself available for any request or need and had a genuinely kind smile that let you know he cared and was there for you!! He remembered his students for many many years after leaving elementary school, and always inquired how we were doing and how our lives were turning out.
I’m sure there’s a magnificently, huge welcome party going on in heaven right now!! Mr. Miller exuded the Light of Jesus and now he gets to meet Jesus face-to-face… How wonderful and exciting!! He made a huge impact in hundreds of lives in such a positive way!! Many thanks to the family for all the years that you shared him with so many families, and in so many communities!! My prayers for much celebration over a life very well lived!! Mr. Miller lived his God-given talents to the fullest!! All my love and appreciation, Dani Sue Zygmond-Crowley (Ray Bjork Elementary) 1964-1970
Duane Harris says
My wife was a resident of The Legacy and during my visits to see her I often ran into Tom and we would visit for awhile. He was such a wonderful person and he will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family.
Karl Kallim says
Scott and Carolyn and Family
Kyle and I extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your father and grandfather.
Tim was a wonderful educational leader, and a great Masonic brother,
Our sympathy
Karl and Kyle Kallin
Darcy Schulz says
Tom was hands down the best Principal & mentor I had as a teacher. He was so kind to his staff & students. What an amazing person who will be truly missed!
Connie Cullen Lange says
My dad, Don Cullen, and stepmother Ruth Smith Cullen, were friends with the Millers for many years, and spoke of them with such high esteem. On one of my visits to Helena to see Dad and Ruth in recent years, I came along to a Nile summer picnic. There were only a few familiar faces, but I discovered Tom sitting at a table with some of the other husbands. I was immediately welcomed and invited to pull up a chair. I made a friend of my own that day getting to know such a warm, caring, and absolutely fascinating man. He made me feel like I was the most important person in the room. I’m sure every other person with whom he came in contact throughout his life was made to feel the same way. Tom was an outstanding citizen – a leader in the community who brought out the best in others. When he moved to The Legacy, I stopped by occasionally to visit when I was in town. It doesn’t surprise me at all to read that Tom was a friend to his fellow residents there. My sincere condolences to Tom’s family.; he will be fondly remembered.
Marilyn Muchmore Connor says
I was lucky enough to know both Mr and Mrs Miller through my children having Mrs Miller as their teacher and Mr Miller as their principal! My mom talked about him all the time when they belonged to the Masons – the dinners and the band. I went through CRA and HHS with their son Tom. My favorite story was when Mr Miller called me up laughing about the end of year awards they had at Hawthorne and he was presenting the perfect attendance award to a brother and sister that never missed a day of school, he said he went on and on about them and when he announced them to come to the stage that they were both absent! Jake my youngest had a regional wrestling tournament in Idaho and I had relented and not only let him take a day off school, I also said Jenni could go too – so….they weren’t at school to accept their Perfect Attendance Award ! He said it was hilarious. Such a wonderful man.
Sandi Smith says
Tom was my principal at Hawthorne Elementary. He was one of the finest, kindest men I have ever met. He was such a considerate soul. I recently visited him at BeeHive and as always after my visits I received a card written by Tom. He followed us all, his students, his teachers, his colleagues, and community members acknowledging any accomplishment with handwritten notes. He and Kathy were a remarkable couple. He could sure tinkle those ivories, which he did at many of our faculty gatherings. I will miss my visits with Tom and his warm greeting. My condolences to his family for this great loss.
Marie Campbell says
To Scott and family,
Sending heartfelt condolences on your dad’s passing. What a great tribute the obituary was. I remember you dad being a very kind and helpful principal. He will be well remembered.
Sincerely, Marie (Grose) and Dave (Soup) Campbell
Joe Brand says
I met Tom by chance at Legacy and immediately knew he was a gentleman in the truest sense. It soon became one of the highlights of my week to load up my dog (who he loved) and go for a visit. Tom was kind, caring, intellegent, interesting, funny, and a good friend. I will miss him greatly, but I’m happy he is finally reunited with his beloved wife and daughter. Thanks for the happy moments, old friend.
Earl H Bricker says
Over the years being involved in Eastern Star Tom and Kathy became one more of our many STAR friends. My wife and I considered them very special.
Kevin Bartsch says
Tom was one of the kindest, caring and most gentlemanly people I have ever known. He was simply a treasure to those he came in contact with, and he’ll be missed tremendously. Scott, Carolyn and family, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss of such a fine man. Kevin Bartsch
Julie McGuire says
Tom was a one of a kind! He was my principle at CR Anderson and our paths would once again cross years later as he was at Legacy with my parents. My dad and Tom were good friends and Tom was so kind to us after my dad’s passing. A little over a year ago, Tom told my husband that he would LOVE to tour the new schools in Helena. As employees of the Helena School District we were able to arrange 2 tours for Tom. With the help of Legacy transporting Tom, he was able to spend time at the new Bryant and Central Schools. His love for education that day was so obvious. He had lots of questions and thoroughly enjoyed his field trip that day! I’m not sure who enjoyed it more…. Tom or my husband and I. It is a great memory that we will treasure! I have lots of pictures from that day if the family wanted to reach out to me. I would be happy to share them.
phil mills says
A fantastic man and friend. Tom will be missed for his warmth, wisdom and sense of humor. He will be truly missed be all who knew him. God bless to his family at this difficult time.
Christine Larson Perry says
Mr. Miller was my principal at Ray Bjork in the 1960’s. I look back fondly on my elementary school years. I’m sure the principal sets the tone for the school and I got a great foundational education there. My condolences to his family.
Mike Swingley says
I was a student long ago at May Butler and Jefferson schools. Mr. Miller was our principal at that time and he made an impact on me with is kindness and consistent calm demeanor. He demonstrated a presence that made you feel like he was in control, expected you to follow the rules, and at the same time genuinely cared about the students and teachers. He impressed me then and now as the example of what a school’s principal should be. Throughout my life there have been teachers and principals that had an positive influences on me. Mr. Miller was one of those educators. Someone I have always and will always respect.
My sincere condolences.
Mike Swingley
Diane says
My sympathies to Tom‘s family. I knew both he and Kathy for many years and came to be very fond of both of them. He was a wonderful, talented man and he will be missed. I can remember how kind both he and Kathy were to my parents as they were aging. With greatest sympathy, Fiane Richter Pedersen
Benjamin Fowler says
Mr. Tom Miller was my principal at Hawthorne elementary from my kindergarten until my second grade year, when he retired. I was a troublemaker in school and saw him often. Even though I was one of the naughty kids he treated me with love and kindness and was genuinely warm to me. I saw him several times in later years at piano recitals and other musical events. Tom taught me some important life lessons that I try to teach to my children. I’m grateful that I had the blessing of knowing him. Thanks to him and his wonderful family. With Care.
Ben Fowler
Julio K. Morales says
Tom Miller lived an exemplary life. I married Tom’s daughter Barb, and our son Nick blessed us all. I always thought the world of Tom and the whole Miller family. I spent a most enjoyable hour with him a year ago. He was full of life. He was the wonderful, charming, engaging, even energetic man I always knew. We talked about so much, and he was very attentive and keen on every person and subject we recalled and discussed. Seldom have I visited anyone and felt so good about it. I can still feel the goodness he reinstilled in me during that last meeting. God Bless our wonderful families. Julio K. Morales
Randy Shipman says
Scott, Carolyn, and family, my condolences for the loss of your father and grandfather. What a wonderful, kind, considerate, intelligent, and grounded person Tom Miller was. I cherished my visits with him these last couple of years as I stopped to visit him when I was in Helena. We always visited about family, education, politics, sports, history, and other interesting topics to include music. It was amazing to learn about so much from him. He was always so fun and easy to talk to while catching up with all the happenings in Helena, Dillon, the Bitterroot, various school systems, and many other areas. Tom was a great gentle man and I will sorely miss him and our visits.
Julio K. Morales says
Tom and Kathy Miller led exemplary lives. I was lucky to marry their daughter Barb, and we had our son Nicolas. Tom and Kathy were loved by my parents, Julio and Josephine Morales; we all had wonderful family gatherings, especially during holidays. Tom and my dad were in Kiwanis together, and I recall Tom playing the piano for the meeting songs once when I visited the luncheon. Tom was easy to approach, shrewd, and so enjoyable.
I was very glad when I spent an hour with Tom a year ago while I attended a meeting of the State Bar of Montana in Helena. He was a kick, sharp as always, and we talked about so many things. He was inspirational.
I already expressed condolences to Nicolas, of course. Now I add condolences to the entire rest of this most wonderful and blessed family,
Almighty God has called home another one of his saints.
Bruce Mihelish says
This good man represented his chosen profession of education in the best way possible. It was all about the kids and he never forgot that. Tom left many positive impacts on his community.
Karen Bryson says
Dear Miller family,
Sincere condolences to you. Tom was truly the best! He had such a positive impact on his students over his many years in education. I loved visiting with him years ago when he would walk by the house and again at Cooney when your mom was there. I’m sure he’s rejoicing being with Kathy again.
Sincerely,
Karen Bryson
Darcy Willey says
Mr .Miller was my favorite principal when in school. I will miss him he was a sweet man
Janet Townsend says
I knew Tom and Kathy through Star. Such fine people! They both left a good impression on me. Condolences to the family. Janet Townsend
Jodel Fohn says
My parents were friends with Tom and Kathy. They were the nicest people you could have ever known. My sincerest condolences.
Rachel O’Brian says
Dear Miller Family,
I would agree that he left a lasting impression on many. Mr. Miller was my principal at Hawthorne and I was fond of him. He made a lasting impression when we had a fire in our house when I was in the 4th grade. Knowing I would soon go to recess and see fire trucks at my house, he took the initiative to go over and walk my mom to come get me. I occasionally ran into him later on when he supervised student teachers, but a few years ago I ran into him at Legacy/Beehive when my daughter was performing there. We reconnected and I thoroughly enjoyed our visits. I was looking forward to another one of those visits last Saturday and was so saddened to hear he had passed. He was truly one of a kind and will be missed. My thoughts are with all of you!
Dave Anderson says
Dear family of Tom,
He was a good friend that I got to know when I lived at the assisted living facility. We had many conversations and good meals at the same table. And of course bingo games! I always enjoyed our time together. He will be missed by many. May his memory be a blessing to you all.
Amber Kleeman says
Tom was one of the first residents that I did an assessment on when he moved from Beehive to Legacy (which then became Beehive). Right away I knew that Tom was going to be a great addition to our Legacy family. I don’t believe there was a resident or staff member that Tom didn’t make friends with. The highlight of my day was the conversations Tom and I would have about my husbands corvette, how my kids were all doing, how Tom’s family was doing, hearing little bits about Tom’s past involvement with the schools, his love for music. Tom would approach me quite often with a bag of candy to take home to my kids. When I told him about our vacation to Deadwood South Dakota he instead on giving me $20 just so I could try out the old slot machines. A few years ago my husband and I took Tom to the Last Chance Stampede. It was the first time the rodeo opened with a Vet jumping from a plane and gliding into the arena with the American flag. It brought tears to my eyes when Tom stood up out of his wheelchair to honor the vet and our flag. You could see how proud he was. Tom’s love for children was heart warming. He would give some of the staffs little ones rides around the building on his electric scooter. Tom was such a kind hearted soul that impacted everyone who knew him. Tom will be forever missed but never forgotten. I send my thoughts and prayers to all of Tom’s family and friends. May the memories you have with Tom be cherished forever. Rest peacefully Tom
Chrysley Pimenta says
Tom Miller is eternal in our hearts, for his kindness, wisdom, sense of humor. I am his Brazilian daughter, and he was a great Dad! Miss and love The Millers, who received me as an exchange student with tenderness and care, so many years ago…
My condolences to my dear brothers and their nice wives.
I miss Dad deeply and want you to know the great dad he has always been. A special man indeed! May he live in our hearts forever!! And in Helena as well, for he was a man of great deeds!
Love you, Dad! My great American dad!!
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Our family has wonderful memories of Tom and Kathy and how grateful we are for the influence they had on our daughters through Rainbow Girls. Tom was a faithful member of our Kiwanis Club for many years and just a good and decent person. We are better people for having known and serving with Tom and Kathy.
Lisa Lesofski Jewett says
I am so sorry to see that Mr. Miller passed. He filled me up every time I would see him Legacy now Beehive. He always remembered me from CR Anderson days and called me by name. He just knew how to make a person feel good about life. I know he is soaking up all sorts of heavenly love and happiness but I will miss him.
Kelly Van Dyke says
I spent the last year having “Tuesdays with Tom” at Beehive. One day, Tom rolled up and greeted me with his great big smile and that was it. I enjoyed our friendship until the very end. As a former teacher, we would often talk about the world of education and what he had learned over his expansive experience as an educator. I will always remember his kindness, always eager to ask others about their lives, and the fact he would always know someone that I knew—he was loved by so many. I will miss his companionship, but I know he is up in Heaven and is greeting others he’s longed to see.
You have taught me so much in so little of time. Miss you already, Tom.♥️
Palmer Hoovestal says
I lived on Choteau Street while growing up while Tom was a principal at CR Anderson. He walked ast my house to and from school every morning and afternoon. He was a fine, kind man.
Cindy Donnell says
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. I had the great honor of getting to know him again during his time at The Legacy, as our mother was there at the same time. Tom made me smile every time I saw him, as he always had a smile on his face as well. Sending prayers to his family and friends and rest assured, he will be missed ❤️
Glen Campbell says
Tom Miller – the embodiment of “Class & Humility” and an overall outstanding individual who had a positive and uplifting impact on my life as a wee wildcat at CRA. All the best to the Miller family and friends.
Susie Fergerson Wong says
To Scott, Carolyn and family,
I just learned of the passing of your dad, father in law and grandfather . My condolences to you all. I have such fabulous memories of him as my principal at CR and even later in life when I would occasionally run into him, when I was in Helena, he always remembered me. I am guessing that was the way he was with all his students. Just a wonderful human being. Rest in peace Mr. Miller.
Best,
Susie Fergerson Wong
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich says
Sending heartfelt condolences to his family. He was principal of Hawthorne when I was a student there. I remember him as a kind presence.
May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Lisa DeGroat Goodrich
Shawn M perez says
Tom was my principal at Ray Bjork and when my dad entered Legacy homes, he was there to greet him and invite him to their men’s coffee table. He was so willing to welcome people. He was such a kind soul. Blessing.
Shawn Leary Perez
Sue Morgan says
Mr. Miller was my principal at Jefferson School when I was a student. I then had the pleasure of working at Hawthorne School while he had the same role there. I also remember my mom would, on occasion, cross paths with Tom while walking laps inside the old Capitol Hill Mall. He was so nice to her but I’m not surprised. Mr. Miller was always kind, took a genuine interest in people and was a terrific human being.
Keith L. Meyer says
Scott, Tom and Families,
Your dad was such a great mentor to many in the field of education including myself. He provided me guidance, support and knowledge as I spent 35 years with the Helena Public Schools. Your dad provided me with wisdom and respect both as an individual and educator/administrator. Over the past years our visits, lunches, conversations, cards and telephone calls were the highlight of my days. Your dad was respected by so many in the field of education and around the state. I am so honored to have known him for 40+ years. Katie and I will miss our Friday night suppers and visits with him. Tom was like a father to me. Regards. Keith L. Meyer
Glen & Pam Thomas says
Tom was a genuine, warm and caring person. A great colleague and friend. We shall miss him dearly.
Glen & Pam Thomas
Diane & Richard Lockey says
As I am preparing to give the memorial to Tom at our Montana Grand Chapter, O.E.S., session, I recall the special friendship that the Millers had with the Lockey family for over 60 years. They shared interests in many and varied disciplines, especially with the many Masonic groups that they were so dedicated to. Tom and Kathy were shining examples of dignity and grace, and imparted great examples to follow for all who knew them. May they have everlasting joy in their eternal home. Tom, Jr., Scott, and families, your parents will always give us happy memories of great times spent together.
Diane and Richard