On Mar. 30, 2024, after an extended illness, Sue (Simons) Miller’s spirit took flight.
Sue was born July 11, 1947 to Ralph (Speed) and Lee Simons in Townsend. They would bring her home to a big sister, Judi. The girls enjoyed living down the street from their grandparents, Sue occasionally sneaking away to Grandma when she didn’t care for the babysitter.
Later the family moved to Boulder, where Sue became a reluctant big sister to Nita and Marty. Sue attended school in Boulder, graduating from Jefferson County High School in 1967.
In the fall of 1967 she attended the University of Montana in Missoula, and the following year she joined the workforce. She held a variety of jobs: Waitress, elevator girl at the Free Enterprise Mine, obituary writer for a newspaper, telephone operator and worker at the grocery store.
But Sue’s true calling came when she went to work for Jefferson County in the treasurer’s office. She began as a clerk in 1973, was elected as treasurer in 1986 and would be reelected until her retirement in 2002. She loved working with numbers and people. Sue was a staunch advocate for the taxpayers of the county. She was very outspoken, as many County Commissioners would come to know.
On Oct. 6, 1972, Sue married Sid Miller, and they made Boulder their forever home. Sue often traveled to Sid’s construction sites on the weekend; she loved those road trips and meeting new people. Sid and Sue spent their free time hitting the road on the Harley, meeting up with friends for a ride and an after-party. Along with road trips, Sue enjoyed early morning swims, long walks, sitting in the sun, her fur babies, entertaining friends and family and drinking Bud Lite.
When we think of Sue, so many words come to mind: outspoken, bull-headed, brave, thoughtful, smart, hard worker, witty, wicked sense of humor, loyal friend, devoted, one in a million and heart of gold.
Survivors include her siblings and families, Nita (Ed) McCauley and Marty (Sandy) Simons brother-in-law Larry Saarinen; sister-in-law Donna Lay; many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends; Kathy (Larry) Fritz and her “life buddy” RJ (Amy) Williams and family.
At this time we would like to give special thanks to Bear Grass Suites, the Lagerquist family and all the care givers who made it their mission to keep Sue in Boulder. Also thank you to the wonderful community of Boulder which kept watch over her the past several years. What a blessing you all have been!
At Sue’s request a “big party” will be held June 15, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Volunteer Hall at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Boulder. Memorials may be made to: Bear Grass Suites, P.O. Box 629, Boulder, MT 59632 or Boulder Swimming Pool, P.O. Box 68, Boulder, MT. 59632
