Comments on: Marilyn Faye Miller, age 83, of Helena

By: Andrea Fleming

Andrea Fleming — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 20:03:12 +0000

There are no words to express how much Aunt Marilyn will be missed. She was always the strength behind our family. She was an amazing older sister to my mother, and a loving aunt to me and my siblings.
I’m so sorry I’m not able to be in Helena for the service, but I’m sending love and heartfelt condolences to Laurie, Nate, David and all of the grandchildren.

By: Rick Bartos

Rick Bartos — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 21:12:30 +0000

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.

By: Margie Peterson

Margie Peterson — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 21:45:56 +0000

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.

By: Betti hill

Betti hill — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 19:52:34 +0000

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

By: Joe DeFilippis

Joe DeFilippis — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:08:51 +0000

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.

By: Susan Parrett

Susan Parrett — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:04:44 +0000

This is a beautifully written obituary – my deepest sympathy. May the wonderful memories of Marilyn warm your hearts in the days to come.

By: Al Arvish

Al Arvish — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:51:59 +0000

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.

By: StoneCarlsons of Helena

StoneCarlsons of Helena — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 03:58:08 +0000

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

By: Janine Miller

Janine Miller — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 00:33:05 +0000

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.

By: Juli Peden

Juli Peden — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:05:50 +0000

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.

By: Norm Desterre

Norm Desterre — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:16:49 +0000

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!!!

By: Laurie Bakri

Laurie Bakri — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 03:14:40 +0000

Marilyn’s service will be live streamed from the Life Covenant website. Lifecchelena.org.

By: M Susan Geise

M Susan Geise — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 01:20:50 +0000

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

By: Kim Gillan

Kim Gillan — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:45:03 +0000

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.

By: Tom/Judy Rolfe

Tom/Judy Rolfe — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 23:46:59 +0000

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.

By: Dee Gilbert

Dee Gilbert — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:23:58 +0000

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.

By: Dee Golbert

Dee Golbert — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 20:14:40 +0000

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.