Melby Ross Miller

Melby was born at Hardin Hospital on September 20, 1936, to Zylpha Josephine Noble Miller and Edward Miller. He was their fourth child. He was raised on a small farm near Garryowen, Montana, where the family made their home. Melby attended grade school in Crow Agency, Montana, and later went on to Hardin High School in Hardin, Montana, where he excelled academically and graduated in 1955. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army. He completed his basic training at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and was then deployed to Korea, where he served as a radio operator for nearly three years.

After returning home, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he lived with his brother Roy and his family. During his time there, he worked for the Boeing Airline Company for two years and took several college courses. He later moved to Hollywood, California, to attend an electronics school, and subsequently continued his studies in Chicago, Illinois. He also worked as an inspector on the construction of federal power transmission lines in Montana and Arizona.

He later joined the Merchant Marines, working in the shipping industry. He lived in Florida for a time before eventually relocating to the Great Lakes region and settling in Cleveland. While loading iron ore in Duluth, Minnesota, a severe storm arose. His crew remained in port, but the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald departed into the storm. His captain chose to delay their departure until the following day. After learning of the Edmund Fitzgerald’s disappearance, he joined the search effort for the lost ship, but sadly, the vessel and all its crew members were never found, lost to Lake Superior. His duties on the ship included radio repair, Morse code operation, wiper, painter, cleaner, fireman, oiler, and engine maintenance. They transported iron ore to Inland Steel and United States Steel companies. After leaving the Merchant Marines, he worked in a machine shop in Cleveland for 15 years before retiring.

Melby loved animals. In retirement, he enjoyed taking daily walks with his dog, Tasha, by the lake and around town. He cared for many stray cats that had been abandoned on the streets, feeding them and giving each one a name. He also enjoyed gardening and admired the beauty of flowers. After getting a camera, he often took pictures of flowers during his daily walks. He was a member of St. Colman Catholic Church and frequently dined at the church’s lunchroom, where he had many friends and enjoyed their company.

Melby is survived by two brothers: Bruce Jerome Miller of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Clyde Roland Miller (Mae) of Glendive, Montana; and two sisters: Hazel Lorraine Zier of Garryowen, Montana, and Margaret M. (Clifford R. Jr.) Arbogast of Hardin, Montana. He is also survived by eight nephews and eleven nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Zylpha and Edward Miller; five siblings: Emma Jean Miller, Margie Belle Derenburger, Roy Edward Davis, Ray C. Davis, and Grant Truman Miller; and nieces, Donna Kay Arbogast Johnson and Madge Eshleman.

A Committal service with military honors will be held for Melby on Friday August 15, 2025 at 12:15 PM, at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, OH 44273. Please arrive to the cemetery by 12:00 PM