Rick Thomas Miller

Richard “Rick” T. Miller, 68, of Lewistown died early Tuesday morning, April 2, 2024, at his home of natural causes. He was born November 20, 1955, in Lewistown, the son of Alfred “Bud” and Helen (VanderHagen) Miller. 

Rick was born at the St. Joseph Hospital in Lewistown while the Millers were living along the Judith River. At a young age, the family moved up Cottonwood Creek where he spent most of his childhood and graduated from St. Leo’s High School in 1974. The family built a homestead on Castle Butte Road shortly after that in 1976. Rick grew up on the cattle ranch with many responsibilities and duties, which he fulfilled in every way. Bud and Helen sure had their work cut out with him, though! Rick was always looking for an opportunity to razz or prank one of his siblings, including chasing his older sister around the house with a 6-inch wolf spider. Bud finally stepped in and saved her, until later that evening when she found it on her pillow! 

In high school, Rick played 4 years of football for St. Leo’s. The team competed in the State Championship his Senior year. His love of football stayed with him throughout his life, with the Pittsburgh Steelers being at the top of his list! He spent many Sunday afternoons cheering them on, including two games that he got to experience in person. 

Rick attended Montana State University in Bozeman. He loved bringing home college buddies to the Miller Ranch to experience country life. He graduated in 1979 with a BS in Engineering and moved back home in 1980. He was an entrepreneur, always thinking of the future for himself and his family. He, along with his dad, Bud, and brother, Tom, started Miller Construction. After a few years, Bud retired and Jim Rutherford became an equal partner. Rick enjoyed a long and successful career, always keeping very active. He was well known for being a generous and giving member of the community. 

He married his college sweetheart, Kim Fadness. In 1983, they had a baby boy, Kolmyn, who joined Heaven weeks after his birth. Kasidy Adam was born in 1985. Rick built their home on the Miller Ranch during his evenings and weekends. The couple divorced, and Rick enjoyed his time with Kas on the ranch. 

In 1990, Rick married Karen Kingsbury. She came with three children, Jada (Clint) Beggar, Kodi, and Tyler (Cami). Much of the family’s time was spent following the kids’ sporting events. In 1991, Alexandra Helen came into the world an angel. Two years later, the whole family was overjoyed when Kylie Jo was born. Her horse passion led Rick to build “Magic’s Kingdom.” He loved going to shows, helping kids, and tending to the horses. Rick and Karen divorced in 2014. 

On April 21, 2018, Rick married Kim Manley. She brought three daughters, Meghan, Sydney, and Eva. Rick was an extremely loving father with endless love and support, which extended well beyond his own children. He cared very deeply for his family and friends and made sure they knew how much he loved them, never passing up an opportunity to express it. He was there for anyone who needed him and made sure to always have an open ear to listen. Rick would have literally taken the shirt off his back if someone needed it. His generosity knew no bounds. 

Rick felt a very close connection to the land and his family ranch, where his parents worked tirelessly to build a future for themselves and their children. He was so proud of the property and greatly enjoyed giving tours of the place that he loved so dearly. His joy and passion for it was evident as he bounded across the dirt roads on his razor challenging you to a race, in typical Rick fashion. He had always felt the need for speed! Even as a cop pulled him over on his way to Great Falls for racing another truck, he gladly took the ticket and tongue-lashing with a childish smile on his face. 

Rick also had an immense love for the outdoors. He would frequently take his family and friends to one of his favorite places, Glacier National Park. It meant so much to him showing the people in his life the places he loved. He also enjoyed going on trips to Mexico each spring, being the life of the party every time. His positive attitude and joking spirit would light up the room. 

Another quality that Rick had was his deep devotion to the Catholic Faith and the good Lord above. This relationship with God was paramount for him throughout his life. 

Rick was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, Kolmyn, and one infant daughter, Alexandra. 

He is survived by his wife Kim, stepdaughters Meghan Leean Manley, Sydney Michelle Rapkoch, and Eva Kay Rapkoch, son Kasidy Adam, daughter Kylie Jo (Brady) Cannon, sister Carla (Dick) Dennison, brothers Tom (Kim), Terry (Ellen) and Doug (Yvonne) all of Lewistown; two grandchildren Kaz and Zara, and five nieces and nephews. 

Memorial Mass for Rick Miller will be Friday, April 12th, 2024, at 11:00 AM in St. Leo’s Catholic Church with committal to follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Vigil services will be on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 7:00 PM in St. Leo’s Catholic Church. At his request, cremation has taken place. Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Comprehensive Cancer Center at CMMC or the charity of your choice. Donations may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com