Esther Mae (Whitaker) Miller

Esther Mae Miller from Belt, Montana passed peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at her daughter Sandy’s home in Sierra Vista, Arizona.

Born in the early twentieth century, Esther lived until her late nineties. She was the second of two children born to George and Florence Whitaker. She had eight other Whitaker siblings, four of whom survive her, all of whom affectionally referred to her as “Sis”. She is also survived by two daughters from her first marriage to Leonard Setterstedt who perished in WWII and a son from her second marriage to Alfred Ray Miller (Curly). Additionally, her legacy includes four adult grandchildren, five great grandchildren and four great, great grandchildren, as well as, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren through marriage.

Esther lived a full and rewarding life traveling and living in numerous continental states and abroad in Morocco and Japan. She and Curly enjoyed vacationing in Guaymas, Mexico especially with their children and eldest grandchildren. Her residence in AZ included owning and operating The Cheese Cutter in the Pinetop/Lakeside area.

Throughout her life, she had various other vocations including secretary, stenographer and office manager. She was a loving and insightful mother and grandmother who was actively involved in her progeny’s lives providing emotional support and a model to emulate. In her being, she exhibited a positive outlook and a zest for life. She was intellectually adventuresome studying astronomy and the powers of crystals and gemstones. Her step-grandson arranged for a star visible from the USA to be named after her.

Esther loved animals, both wild and domestic, but especially schnauzers. Her beloved Tish proceeded her in death. She was a voracious reader until macular degeneration took most of her eyesight. She was creative and talented in many spheres: cultivating gardens, producing culinary delights, sewing designer accoutrements, penning and illustrating a “Cheese Cutter” story for her second oldest grandchild in addition to authoring numerous stories and poems, and laying floor tile to replace the carpet in her house when in her eighties. She was a Girl Scout Leader and a Mother Advisor for Rainbow Girls.

It is truly not possible to condense a life of perseity, a life so wonderful, so bountiful, so joyful, sometimes sorrowful, into this short notice.

Esther (Sis) will come home to Monarch, MT and a family memorial service held when it is safe to travel again.

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