Monte Ivan Miller

Passed away September 26, 2021 in Spokane, WA after a brief illness. . Monte entered this world with a smile and a passion for horses on November 19, 1945 and met his loving parents Harold and Wanda Miller in Wilbur. During his younger years he was known to ride anything with four legs. Beginning with his first horse, his cow, Patches. Monte attended all twelve years if schooling in Wilbur graduating in 1964. After graduation he worked briefly for a local farmer and attended Spokane Community College for a year before joining the US Army. He served two tours in Vietnam, working as a Crew Chief and the remainder of his enlistment at Fort Knox, Kentucky. During this time, he kept in touch with his local correspondent from Creston, WA, Shirli Vincent. Monte married Shirli on March 15, 1969 in Creston, WA. Upon his discharge from the Army, they returned to Wilbur where they lived and raised their two sons. Monte went to work for BNSF railroad in 1972, retiring as a track inspector in 2002. Throughout his life Monte enjoyed riding horses, raising cows, sheep and pigs, hunting, fishing, camping, boating and water skiing, working on his 1956 Chevy, and spending time with family and friends. He also had a knack for telling stories and could spin a one liner into a novel. He was a proud member of the Wilbur V.F.W. Monte is survived by his wife Shirli at the home, two sons Lance (Heidi) Miller in Marysville, WA and Todd Miller in Wilbur. Six grandchildren Kaylee Harris, Morgan Miller, Dustin Miller, Madison, Clayton and Laura Miller and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Harold and Wanda Miller and his two sisters Anita Mize and Vicki Kelly. A Celebration of Life graveside services will be held on October 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Wilbur Cemetery, Wilbur, WA with Pastor Vic Alinen, officiating. We invite all those who knew and loved Monte to join us for an afternoon filled with sharing and remembrances. There will be a light luncheon following the serve at the Wilbur Senior Center. Memorials may be made to Camp Patriot (camp for wounded and disabled military veterans), PO Box 627, Libby, MT 59923 or to the donor’s choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.strate-funeral.com for the Miller family. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, DAVENPORT, WA is caring for the family.