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.