Kenneth Wesley Miller, 86

Kenneth Wesley Miller, 86, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell from complications of pneumonia.

 He was born Dec. 3, 1924, in Neppel, Wash., the son of Johnnie Roscoe and Eva May (Bower) Miller. His family moved to Kalispell when he was 1 year old where he, the second oldest of 11 children, attended Bald Rock School through the eighth grade, after which he went to work to help support his large family.

Ken grew up in the Rhodes Draw area just a few miles from his future wife Betty (Claridge) Miller. At the age of 4, he was one of the first to hold her when she was born.

In 1944, at age 20, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent time in Europe during World War II, serving as a tank driver. He received numerous medals for his duties and achievements overseas, including the Purple Heart and Silver Star.

In 1946 Ken was honorably discharged from the Army, made his journey home to Kalispell and married his childhood sweetheart. Ken and Betty enjoyed 64 years of marriage together, during which time they had five children that they blessed with fulfilling, active, successful lives.

After the war he went to work in the woods on the business end of a cross-cut saw, but in the first year of logging he lost his leg when a tree fell on him. Having only one leg would easily slow most people down, but not Ken, as he went on to become a hunting guide in the Bob Marshall, a fishing guide on all branches of the Flathead River, and a tree thinner for the Forest Service.

Ken also went to school in Seattle to learn how to put a sharp edge on saws. Word spread and his work attested to his reputation which soon led to numerous jobs from the local mills and the Forest Service. If you wanted a sharp saw, you went to Ken Miller in Evergreen, period. As well as guiding, thinning trees and sharpening saws while raising a family, Ken also held contracts to harvest, transport and sell Christmas trees in California, another inspirational success which he did for 40 years.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, six brothers, and two sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Roxy and Rodger Smith of Evergreen, son Ray and Randi Miller of Evergreen; daughter Reta and Jack David of Columbia Falls; son Rod and Carol Miller of Hope, Idaho, and daughter Ronda and Joe Hermosillo of Kalispell. Ken is survived by 10 grandchildren, including Jerry Smith, Tami Engler, Carla Williams, Cory Soucie, Destry and Tony David, Derek, Katie and Trevin and Colton Hermosillo; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and several great-great grandchildren, with two more on the way; brother, Irvin Miller; sister, Sylvia Evans; and many other nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws, as well as many friends cherished and held so close to him that they became family as well.

Ken had lived at the Immanuel Lutheran Home for nearly five years and we would like to acknowledge and thank the staff for their wonderful care and compassion. Hospice also helped give care to Ken during his last days with us and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to them.

A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, at the Cowboy Church, 3171 U.S. 93 North. Cake and coffee will be served afterward.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice or to the Immanuel Lutheran Home.  Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.