Marvin "Marv" Wayne Miller, 79

Marvin "Marv" Wayne Miller, Nov. 20, 1946 - June 17, 2026 

Marvin "Marv" Wayne Miller, a long-time resident of Plains, passed away from natural causes at 79 years old in Henderson, Nevada. Marvin was born in Alton, Illinois to George and Ruth (Fahrig) Miller, and was the youngest of three children. 

Marv spent his formative years in Alton. His father had Sidney Montana roots. Marv enjoyed many childhood visits to the Miller family farm in Sidney Montana and, at 12 years old, vowed that he would live in Montana one day. Marv graduated from Alton High School in 1964. True to his word to make Montana his home, he enrolled in the University of Montana to study forestry. 

In a twist of fate, Marv would meet his future bride, Cindy Gay Vincent, in Alaska in the summer of 1967 while on a summer job. The two were married shortly after on Dec. 17, 1967 in Bend, Oregon. Marv graduated from UM in 1969 and shortly began working for the State of Washington Forestry Department. Four months later, he got the chance to fulfill his Montana dream and took a job with the Department of State Lands in Kalispell. Two years later they moved to Helena.

In 1971, Marv and Cindy welcomed their son, Clint Aaron Miller. Marv and Cindy relocated to Plains in 1972 to continue Marv's forestry career. In 1973, they welcomed their daughter, Erika Gayvohn Miller. 

In his 47 years in Plains, Marv would traverse the western Montana ridges and streams as a skilled hunter, trapper, and fisherman. He delighted in the boundless acres of beauty that western Montana offered in both work and leisure. An avid reader, Marv devoured countless western novels, hunting guides, and countless years of hunting and fishing regulations. He officially retired from the Department of State Lands in 1999 but continued to do consulting work for them for many years. 

Marv was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a loyal friend. He was known for his quiet demeanor, sharp wit, and a perennial collection of button-up shirts with a pocket. 

Marv is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Cindy, daughter Erika, sister Ellen (Robert), five grandchildren Sarah-Marie, Katt, (Jesse), Victoria, Alexander, and Aaron, and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother George, Jr., and son Clint (Angela). 

The Miller family will hold a private memorial in Montana at a date to be determined.

    Marvin "Marv" Wayne Miller