Merrill Eddie Miller

Merrill Eddie Miller passed away from cancer on February 2, 2026, in his home. He was born October 25, 1942, to Merrill and Esther (Branger) Miller. He graduated with a Master’s Degree from Montana State College (now MSU) in Bozeman, MT in June 1965 and that same busy month married Karen Coleman and got a real job.  Together, they have one son named Matthew Miller, who was born in 1969.

Ed made friends easily. He created laughter at his favorite place on Mondays at the Faith Sale Barn, at church on Sundays and almost every place he went. He made it a point to think “outside of the box.” He permitted no stranger to remain a stranger for long, and he made it a point to find out who their relatives were and where they lived.  When a newcomer showed up at a branding or any place where he was, Ed was eager to go meet them. The first years he lived in SD, he often settled arguments about who was related to whom, which surprised many people.

In 1965 he was employed as an Extension Agent in Circle, Montana and later as a Bank Ag Loan Officer in Bozeman,  Montana. Surprisingly or not, Ed convinced the bank president that Ed should attend the livestock auction sale. Ed’s attendance at the sale barn each weekday was perfect and he was not sitting at a desk in the bank.

Ed’s expertise was knowing cattle and the cattle market. For many years Ed and his father, Merrill Miller, worked together as Livestock Order Buyers in Montana.  He enjoyed studying the cattle market, working cattle and checking brands on cattle and horses.  He could recognize his cattle from a distance, and he almost always knew the number on their ear tag. He remembered most of the mothers and grandmothers of the cattle that he raised. He had a gift with horses.  Even a snotty horse would just ride off with Ed aboard.

He had a knack for turning the conversation to another subject when he didn't want to talk about himself. He enjoyed reading and he read his favorite books many times. 

When Ed and Karen announced they were leaving Absarokee, the Billings Gazette wrote an article on November 6, 1999. A lifetime friend, Stan Rasmussen of Choteau, MT, was quoted in that article, “He’s one of the most honest, wittiest, fun guys I’ve ever known.” In the same article, Ed’s competitor in the cattle buying business, Mike O’Kragly said “...he’s honest, hardworking and you know where you stand with him.” 

One thing that Ed wasn’t was a mechanic. “I knew a long time ago you could get covered in cow manure and it showered off, but that grease stayed under your fingernails for three days.”

In 1999 he and Karen sold his parents’ ranch (and some land that he and Karen had acquired) and God led them to Faith, SD. They purchased a ranch southwest of Faith that he loved, and that is where he lived until he died.

He was a student of the Bible and read it daily having read it entirely every year since 2007. He was a man committed to God’s Word.

Rodeo was a big part of Ed’s life. He enjoyed judging rodeos, watching rodeos, and he participated until his forties.  One of his favorite traveling partners was his cousin J.O. Hash of Roscoe, MT. The Broken Horn Stampede was named by Ed. That rodeo was held at the family ranch arena in Absarokee for 19 years.  

Running the timed-event chute for Reg Kesler at the MSU college rodeos and the National Finals College Rodeos for many years was an honor for Ed. 

He experienced rodeo at all levels: a contestant, a committeeman, a contractor, a coach, a judge, and finally as a dedicated fan. He diligently checked the results of every rodeo every day. He made it a point to know the contestants and their families.

One of the joys in his life was their granddaughter, Mikenzy, who lived in their home most of her life. He never wanted to miss any activity in which she was involved.

A memorial will be established to fund a saddle to the high-point cowgirl or cowboy at the Meade County 4-H rodeo each year.

He will be buried on the family ranch plot east of their home.

Sharing in his life for almost 61 years, is his wife, Karen.

Survivors include: their son, Matt Miller of Rapid City, SD. Sally (Langston) Miller of Aguilla, AZ and Riverton, WY, who is the mother of their children, Merri Miller (1995) of Sealy, TX, and Clay Miller (1998), US Marine Corps now recruiting in   Houston, TX. Mikenzy Miller (2001) married Josh Afdahl in September 2024. Mikenzy was born to Matt Miller and Lori Seagoe of Prescott, AZ. For many years, Ed and Karen lovingly raised Mikenzy in their family home. Mikenzy and Josh now live on the family ranch.

In addition, he is survived by his favorite, (and only) sister, Merrilen “Mimi” Miller and her kids, Megan Winters of Absarokee, MT and Luke Winters of Malta, MT. 

Karen’s brother and wife, Ty and Jeet Coleman of Meza, AZ and their kids, Cindy Coleman of Billings, MT and Tip Coleman of Brighton, CO.

Other special “grand” nieces and nephews include, Jodi Hibbs, Cole Hibbs and his wife Gweynn, Carsyn Hibbs, Tia, Zach, Brinli, and Kortlan Murphy, Cash, Randi and Haven Coleman.

And an abundance of cousins and special friends and acquaintances. 

Preceding him in death his parents, Merrill and Esther Miller; his brother, Branger Miller, and Bill Wittmer who adopted us as a family.

Visitation for Ed is being held today Wednesday, February 11th at the Faith Community Center from 9-10:30am, with the funeral service beginning immediately after at 10:30am.