Paul C Miller passed away at home on January 26, 2026, surrounded by family and his spouse, Naomi, peacefully in his sleep. Paul was born in Anaconda, MT 1941, to Cyril Roy and Margaret Louise Miller. Paul was a true son of Montana. On almost any given weekend, he could be found hiking, floating, skiing, fishing, or hunting throughout the state.
A proud graduate of Carroll College, Helena, MT, he received his master’s in social work from St. Louis University. For the next three decades, Paul dedicated himself to helping the children, families, and communities of Montana through his work at Montana Social and Rehabilitation Services. After retirement, he continued his vocation as the Director of Good Samaritan Ministries. A marathon runner throughout most of his life, Paul’s last job was a physical fitness trainer licensed by ACE.
Those who knew Paul best always described him as a gentle man with a deep and abiding love for the Lord, his family, and the great outdoors. True to his nature, Paul was an avid outdoorsman who passed his craft and lore onto his children and grandchildren throughout his life. Most stories about Paul center on the time we went… and always end with a grand day on an adventure. His companion on most adventures was his partner Naomi. Their explorations and adventures in Montana and throughout the West were always great stories full of joy and laughter. Over four decades, Naomi and Paul hiked mountain ranges, camped along rivers, and explored every niche in their shared love of nature.
His presence in the church and faith community of St. Mary’s was appreciated by the parish for his love, quick wit, and care for everyone he met. It doesn’t go unnoticed how deep his faith was. Paul was proud of his service as a Knight of Columbus, his lay ministries in the church, and his worldview based on love, compassion, and service to his fellow man, all of which were reflected in his service to the church. His son David put it best: Paul shot like an arrow straight to heaven. We will all miss Paul in our lives, but heaven is a richer place now that he has passed on.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Margaret Louis Miller, and his brothers Richard and Bruce Miller.
Paul is survived by: Paul David Miller and Michelle Johnson (Kris), children of his marriage to Mary Swindle. He is also survived by Naomi Laureen Miller, his bride of 41 years, and his stepchildren: Deborah Carey (Daniel), Jeffry Driessen (Mandie), Matthew Driessen (Melissa), and Cynthia Stetzer. Paul is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Come join family and friends at a vigil service scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Thursday February 5, 2026, from St. Mary Catholic Community. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 6, 2026, from the church. A reception will follow the Mass in the social center of the church. Burial and Rite of Committal will be at 1:45 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Paul’s name can be made to Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena, MT 59601 or to the Montana Legacy Foundation for MT Wild, https://mtoutdoorlegacy.org/donate/ or PO Box 845 Helena, MT 59624; Please make your check payable to Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and include any specific instructions for the money to be allocated to MT Wild.
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday February 5, 2026
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 6, 2026
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the funeral Mass to 1:15 p.m.
Friday February 6, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
Service Schedule
Vigil
5:00 p.m.
Thursday February 5, 2026
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday February 6, 2026
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the funeral Mass to 1:15 p.m.
Friday February 6, 2026
Social Center of the Church
,
Share
Fran says
Naomi, sending His comfort to you in the absence of your beloved, Paul.
Linda Gillett says
Naomi, jim and I are so sorry on the passing of Paul. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Joanne says
May Paul rest in peace. We enjoyed our visits in Montana and Wisconsin. He was the sweetest guy. Sending love, hugs and prayers…
Barbara Stetzer says
Paul was the quiet and peaceful grandpa and uncle to a great many young people in our large and diverse family. He was the grandpa with an extra apple, a word of encouragement, and a helpful suggestion. He loved Jesus, his family, and the great outdoors. We will miss him in our daily lives, but we are confident that he now rests peacefully and pain-free in the arms of is creator. We will meet again!
Joan Crum says
Naomi, I will always remember his quiet kindness and his AWEful puns.
Richard and Christine Snyder says
Naomi, I got to know you and Paul at St. Mary’s 4:30 pm Mass as the greeter at the door. Paul would always have a joke for me, and I would have to come up with a pun quickly!! We would banter until you had to come and get him! We missed him when he wasn’t able to come anymore. We wish you the peace of knowing you took care of him well. We will keep you in our prayers.
Richard and Chris Snyder
Judith McLaughlin says
Paul is resting in peace. I wish I would have gotten to know him more.
Ted Polette says
Dear Naomi,
I’m so sorry to hear of Paul’s passing. I remember him as a calm presence, always friendly and positive. My daughter, Jackie, met him at the gates of Heaven and showed him around. “Where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories.” My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peggy Cook says
So sorry to read about Paul’s passing. Always looked forward to a fun time in our office when he came in. He was a great friend and yes the puns!?! I haven’t seen you, Naomi and Paul for awhile but the last time was a few years back and we talked about the spring flowers starting to come up on Mt Helena.
Jerome Tuss says
Naomi, It has been with great sorrow to hear about the passing of your husband, Paul. May God bless you and your family.
Jerome and Ronnie Tuss
Leslie ONeill says
I have beautiful memories of floating the river with Paul and family.
He was endlessly patient with our teenage angst and nonsense.
My love to all who remain ❤️.