Marion Miller was born to Bertha and Gottleib Steltzer July 13, 1936, in Merricourt, ND. She was the second of four children. Evelyn was her older sister, and brothers Ervin and Lawerence would follow her.
She graduated from high school in Kulm, ND. Following high school, she worked at a drug store in Edgeley, ND while living with her sister Evelyn for about five years. She moved to Ellendale, ND, where she met Gilbert Miller. They married in a joint ceremony with her brother Ervin Steltzer and his wife Dorris in March 1962.
Marion and Gilbert remained married for the next 44 years until separated by Gilbert’s death in 2006. They had three sons, Todd, Wade, and Jay. They also raised two foster children, Wylon Jones, and Lafonda Big Leggins, from infancy to adult hood.
Shortly after the birth of Todd, they moved to Golden Valley, ND. After several years in Golden Valley, and the birth of Wade, they moved to Plentywood, MT, at the invitation of her brother Ervin and his wife Dorris. Typical of a spring day in Montana, they would be following the snowplow for much of the move.
After the birth of Jay and the closure of Power Creamery, where Gil worked, Marion and Gil made their last move to Wolf Point, MT. During the initial years in Wolf Point, Marion was a stay-at-home mom who devoted her time to raising her children and caring for foster children. In addition to Wylon and LaFonda, Marion cared for 80-100 foster children for periods of 2 days to 2 weeks. Eventually she returned to work, becoming one of the high school lunch ladies.
She fit in well as the lunch lady, as Marion was always an excellent baker. When the boys were still young, she enjoyed fishing and camping. She was skilled at knitting, crocheting, and sewing. Over the years many family members and friends would receive sweaters, blankets, or quilts as gifts. Marion always liked to stay busy. Her yard and home were always filled with flowers and plants.
Marion had a kind heart for everyone. She loved company, be it for just an hour-long visit or an entire evening playing cards. One of her great joys was having son Wade and grandson Trey living in her home throughout Trey’s grade school and high school years. Having family and kids at home always brought Marion joy. She genuinely loved to care for others.
In later years, Marion also enjoyed working on jig saw puzzles and traveling with friends. She would spend several Christmas seasons with Jay’s family at his Illinois home. Marion spent her final years in Faith Home where she received exceptional care. She joined our Savior, husband Gilbert, her parents, brother Ervin, and foster children Wylon, and LaFonda in Heaven on March 3, 2024, at age 87. Her surviving family members include sister Evelyn and bother Lawerence, three sons, Todd, Wade, and Jay, their spouses, and many grandchildren as well as nephews and nieces.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences for the family may be left by using the form below.