Charles “Charlie” George Miller, age 70, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, September 25, 2022, in his home in Whitehall, Montana.
Charlie was born on April 20, 1952, in Kingston, New York, to the late Thomas H. and Ethel J. (Hasbrouck) Miller. He was the middle child of three children. The family resided in South Amboy, New Jersey, until he was seven years old and then moved back to New Paltz, NY, where he resided until his retirement in 2006. Charlie then attended elementary school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School where he was an altar boy. He then attended and graduated from New Paltz School District in 1970, and then fulfilled his commitment to the Army Reserves where he drove heavy machinery.
Charlie married Gaynor Kilpatrick in 1973 and three children were born from this union. One word used to describe him is hardworking. He worked for the NY State Highway Department for 10 years and then retired from NY State Corrections after 25 years. While working full time he completed many construction jobs and taught his sons the trade. When he retired in 2006, he fulfilled his lifelong dream and moved to Montana. He then worked a short time at Montana State Prison and has worked at Smiths & Sons Construction since 2009 until his death. Charlie loved to hunt and fish. He enjoyed and looked forward to the hunting and fishing trips with his children and lifelong friend Butch Eaton. He loved his community and was always willing to help out those in need. He was typically seen chatting with a coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. He never forgot a birthday and was always the first one to send a card and call to say, “Happy Birthday.” He taught his family to take pride in their work and to love and support each other. His life lessons and memory will continue to live on through his family.
Charlie is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Ethel Miller, and his brother-in-law Donald Palmateer. He is survived by his children Brian (Antonia) of Sheridan, WY, Brandon (Tracy) of Butte, MT, and Erin (Austin) of Spring Creek, NV. His siblings Barbara Palmateer of Clintondale, NY, and brother Thomas W. Miller. His grandchildren Jann, Walker, Hunter, Zach, Cheyenne, Ian, Stryder, Reagan, Augustus, and Derek. His nephew Jessie (Liz), nieces Kristean (Cody) and Katherine. His companion during the last few years of his life Stephanie McLaughlin and his two beloved dogs.
The family of Charlie wishes to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of Senior Solutions Home Care and Hospice.
The family invites family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors to gather and enjoy coffee and food in remembrance of a man who loved the simple joys in life – a job well done, his family and grandchildren, fishing, hunting, motorcycles, tractors and being a good neighbor. His Celebration of Life will be held in the community room at the Whitehall Assembly of God Church, on October 1, 2022, from 3 P.M. to 6 P.M. The family requests in lieu of flowers to please visit rmef.org to donate to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or tu.org to donate to Trout Unlimited in his name.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Charles.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Charles and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday October 1, 2022
Assembly of God Church Community Room
6 1st St E.
Whitehall, Montana 59759
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday October 1, 2022
Assembly of God Church Community Room
6 1st St E.
Whitehall, Montana 59759
Pam Pennell says
Charlie was the first Corrections Officer to welcome me back to work at Montana State Prison, I really was not sure how to take his humor but he soon became one of my favorite co workers! He will be missed. Brandon, Tracy and family I am very sorry for your loss. Sending you all love and prayers, RIP Charlie
Norma Rangel Wegmann says
So sorry for the loss of your father Brandon, Brian and Erin. We met Charlie later in life and made friends immediately .Charlie will be missed by all that knew him. love Bob and norma
Whitehall Medical Clinic says
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of Charles. Sending our condolences to family and friends as you remember the love, as you mourn the loss and celebrate the life of a very special person. With sympathy and prayers, The Providers and Staff at Whitehall Medical Clinic