Mary Miller

Mary Loretta (Gee) Miller, age 88, of Menahga, Minnesota (formerly of Seeley Lake and Missoula, Montana), our beloved mother, grandma Mary, Great, was called home to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Rose Haven Assisted Living in Menahga, Minnesota, in the presence of her daughters.

Mary Loretta Gee was born on November 29, 1937, in Missoula, Montana to Samuel V. and Muriel Leone (Leaverton) Gee. She was the eldest of four children; she recalled hiding behind a potbelly stove to be present when her youngest brother was born.  Her family moved around Montana living in; Ronan, Pablo, St. Ignatius, and Charlo - to name a few - before settling in Missoula, Montana. One ranch they lived on, her mom and dad “cooked for the crew”. How wonderful it was she said that there the kids could eat food out of the cooler anytime they were hungry! Mary attended school in Ronan, also Whittier and Sacred Heart in Missoula. She was in her teens when her mother Muriel revealed to her that her biological father was Muriel’s first husband, Elmer J Arthun. Late in her life she was delighted to receive a picture of him and correspond with an Arthun cousin.

Mary was blessed with five children: LaRee, Kim, Joe, Evelyn, and John.

Mary was a cook and waitress in many restaurants in Missoula. She retired in her 70’s as a janitor from 4 B’s restaurant in Missoula.

Mary enjoyed many hobbies including: embroidery, cross stitch, sewing, quilting, Yahtzee, bingo, puzzles, and pinocle. She loved taking trips to visit her family, making cinnamon rolls and runzas with family. Mary was known for being a good cook and loved good food but was plagued with many dietary restrictions. Now she is free in Heaven to enjoy eating all her favorites once again.

A devout Catholic, Mary was a parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Missoula, Montana for many years. She was known for faithfully serving donuts and coffee at 8 A.M. before the services at the church. Upon moving to Seeley, she became a member of Living Water Catholic Church, forming many treasured friendships while attending services.

When Mary’s health declined and she was no longer able to live on her own she moved in with family for her care until residing in Rose Haven for the remainder of her life. Here she gained another family among the residents and staff that helped and cared for her.

Mary dearly loved her family and made sure to make Christmas fudge, which she was widely known for, in a variety of flavors for her family and friends. Mary always did her best to send out birthday cards to family and friends. She also finished baby quilts for her great grandchildren in the last few months of her life. The last days of her life were filled with visits from grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her children and friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Evelyn (Scott) Larimer, granddaughter Molly Ylitalo, stepdaughter Ann Bramer, stepson Ron Miller, sister Esther Mackey, and brothers Sam Gee and Clark “Cork” Gee.

Deeply loved, Mary’s passing will be mourned by her children: LaRee (Tom) Morris, Kim (Philip) Ylitalo, Joe (Jodie) Miller, and John (Sherry) Redman; step-children: Karen (Mike) Wilcox, Linda Lane, Jim (Robin) Miller; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Terry Gee; lifelong friends Jane Miller and Phyllis Thompson; many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. 

Between the wonderful staff at Rose Haven and her daughter Kim, she received the very best end of life care. The family also wants to thank the staff at St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care for their compassionate care for their mother. The expression of gratitude cannot be accurately described by words, but the wonderful staff and owners of Rose Haven have made a huge impact on Mary’s family.

A Memorial Mass will be held for Mary on May 30, 2026, in Seeley Lake, Montana at Living Water Catholic Church (152 SOS Rd, Seeley Lake, MT) at 1:00 P.M with Father Jozef Perchubka presiding. Followed by a Celebration of Life, Burial, and Reception at Seeley Lake Cemetery (1900 MT Hwy 83 Seeley Lake, MT) at 2:30 P.M.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Miller, please visit our floral store.