Willard G. Miller, Ceda Kogipabi (Afraid of the Falcon), the oldest living Assiniboine member of the Fort Peck Tribes passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 in Billings, MT. He was 96. Willard was born May 21, 1927 in Wolf Point to Isaac Miller and Julia Clancy Miller. He attended school in Flandreau, SD where he graduated.
Upon graduation, Willard got a job working Masonry until his enlistment in to the US Army. Willard served from November of 1948 to November of 1953, serving 11 years of civil service including military time. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War until his death. Willard was awarded the Korean War Service Medal from the Republic of South Korea signed by Kim-Dae-Jong, other medals included the Combat infantry badge, Army Good Conduct badge, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, The Korean Defensive Medal and a Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Units served were the 10th Mountain Division, the third division, the 24th division and the 44th division.
After being discharged from the Army, Willard worked several jobs and was a jack of all trades. His employment included at ditch rider for Irrigation, Housing Improvement Program for the Tribes, truant officer, custodian/bus driver for Head Start and the Tribal alcoholism program where he attended several trainings and received many certificates of completion. Willard also attended Dawson Community College for two years. Willard was active in the Wolf Point Community Organization and Wadopana (Canoe Paddlers) celebration committee, serving both for many years. Willard worked all his life and always stressed to others to work for a better living.
During Military time, Willard met and married Betty Jenkins, together they had 8 children, Frank, Jerry, Doris, Phillip, Grace, Mary, Beverly and Richard. Betty had passed on after this and Willard raised his children as a single father. Later on, Isaac and Marion Miller were born. Willard also helped raise step children and was proud of each and every one of their accomplishments.
Willard loved watching all sports with his son Phillip, loved the Wolf Point Wolves basketball teams and traveled extensively, with Phillip, to watch them play. He also loved to attend Powwows, he traveled with Phillip to many celebrations over the years and lately watched powwows from his phone in his later years. His best friend was Annette Linder who was willing to take Willard on many adventures and he could call on her for anything. He was also proud of her children and their accomplishments. Willard would travel out to Tacoma, Washington for several years to spend his son Richard’s birthday with him, Richard worked at the Muckleshoot Casino and after about 4 years of traveling out there, earned the nickname “Montana” from Richard’s co-workers, Willard got a kick out of that. Willard also loved to sit outside and listen to Indian music, loved to play Bingo, and loved to visit and talk Indian. He especially enjoyed visiting with his nephew Joe Miller Jr. talking of their service, talking Indian, and pondering life.
Willard often spoke of the old way traditions of being an Indian. He experienced life in a hard way of no indoor heat, water or electricity. He overcame those obstacles and many, many more raising his children, accepting life’s fate but always remained optimistic full of hope for a better life and achievement for others he considered family. He was loved and will be missed beyond measure.
Willard is survived by his daughters Doris, Mary, Beverly and son Isaac. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great and great-great grandchildren.
David & Chong Ae Boyd says
Williard prayers for you and the family.
I am glad I could help with your medals.
God’s speed Comrade.
David E. Boyd Sr.
SSG, Retired
USA
Vernon & Debra Fourstar says
Sending our condolences to the family. May the Lord watch
over all. Going to miss you Uncle.
Debra Fourstar
Wes Stevenson says
Willard, yes, God’s speed. You were the rock of a good family and your life was exemplary. Prayers to the family who will miss you. Please give Frankie a big hug for me.
Catherine Whiteman says
I would like to attend his full military honors.
Kyle Bigby says
Travel Well my relative! From your Fort Belknap Relatives.
Louise Twitchell says
RIP I remember all the old times at the Saddle Shop. Sending prayers to the family.
toni says
grandpa i love u so much it hurts my heart that i wasn’t allowed to be in the last few years with you one thing nobody can take from me are my memories i have with you ! give all my uncles a big hug from me ! idk why god always seems to take the good ones ! he’s got everybody now that meant something to me ! i’m so sad i will never forget u or my uncles
Pauline and Bert Azure-Feuvray says
Families are forever. Grandpa Willard is now with his parents, siblings and other loved ones. He had a pleasant journey to the spirit world with a relative as his guide. Maybe his mom or whoever. The patriarch of the family is now in heaven with everyone he loved. We will miss him but his relatives in heaven are rejoicing that he is now with them. God bless the family. Thank you God for loving all of us here on earth.
Eric Bruguier says
My condolences and prayers to Miller Family. Grandpa Willard was person who enjoyed visiting with family and tell stories. He will missed.
Winnifred Schafer says
My condolences to the family. go to Miss Grandpa, he has so much love. You are so special Like to tell stories At powwow He did have a good life a long life. Now he’s taken his journey.
You will be Missed dearly I know he love fried bread and tripet soup.
Eric Bruguier says
Condolences and prayers to the Miller’s family. Grandpa Willard will be miss in community and knowledge of Assiniboine culture.
Paige Rios says
Oh papa, this still isn’t true for all of us I hope you have a safe journey home. I love you
Fred McGeshick, Jr. says
Condolences to the family❤️Highly respected elder with a good heart and walked the narrow path in life. I remember his kindness, advice, goodness living for his children! Frankie, Jerry and buddy Philip!
Georgia Dupuis says
My sincere condolences to all of Willard’s kids and grandkids. Hugs and prayers especially to my cousin Isaac and his family. I am sorry for the loss of your Father. Fly high Uncle
A'mya Adams-Nation says
My dearest grandpa, this is still so hard to think of it feels so unreal I will always remember you and my nickname you gave me: 20 bucks that will forever be our nicknames and I am proud to say that I will call myself that i’m truly sorry I wasn’t able to go to your funeral this is hard on everyone of us. Thanks for caring for me. I LOVE YOU.
~Mya/20 bucks~
Rita Weeks says
Condolences and prayers for Willard’s family. A very respected and honorable man. He was one of my first coworkers, along with Barbara Birdsbill at the old detox center in Poplar. A good man, who helped me understand the importance of good ethics on the job and in our communities. Journey well my friend.
MAUREEN DIONNE says
My sincerest condolences to Uncle Willard’s family and friends, journey well on eagle’s wings. I’ll always remember how you teased Jolene and I, everytime we went to Bingo at Silverwolf. Good Times at Bingo. Your laugh will always be remembered. RIP.
Louella Douglas-Contreras says
So saddened to hear of Williard’s passing. I will always remember Williard calling me Douliana..lol. Sometimes people have a hard time pronouncing my name Louella. and he started calling me that after he heard someone mispronounce my name. Prayers for your journey Williard. Rest well.
Adrian Jenei Imus says
Thank You Grandpa WIllard Mil for your service in the US Army. I am very proud of your accomplishments and the time we got to spend together. You will be missed, but we will meet again in the future. Rest In Paradise Gramps
Brandy Smith says
I’m so sad to hear about this. Willard was one of my favorite customers. He was one of the first people to accept this crazy cajun from Louisiana. Sending prayers and condolences to Doris and her family. He will definitely be missed by all that knew him. I’ll never forget him that’s for sure.