Penny Miller

Penny (Olind) Miller, born on February 16, 1955, in Deer Lodge, MT to Charles 'Ed' Olind and Marion (Walter) Olind, passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025. She was surrounded by family and friends at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula, after a brief battle with a rare Parkinson's-like syndrome, which had only been diagnosed shortly before her passing.

Penny grew up in the Pony, MT area, spending much of her childhood in Potosi Canyon located in the Tobacco Root Mountains. Her family spent summers at the Herder's Cabin, where they worked for area ranches and for the Forest Service, herding, fencing, and exploring the local mountains and lakes. While her brother Pete enjoyed fishing with their mom, Penny preferred to ride horseback with her dad, discovering the game trails and ridges of the Tobacco Roots. Like other members of her family, Penny participated in rodeos from a young age and became a skilled barrel racer with her horse, Destry.

A dedicated student, Penny excelled in high school. She was a multi-sport athlete, participating in basketball and cheerleading at Harrison High School in Harrison, MT. Penny was also the Salutatorian of her graduating class, a title she loved to share, especially with a smile, as she came in just one point behind her close friend Penny Suhr, who was the Valedictorian.

Penny's life changed when she met William 'Bill' Miller, who had just returned from the Navy in 1974. His smile and uniform caught her eye, and they married soon after. They moved to Bozeman, MT, where Penny attended Cosmetology School. After completing the program, the couple returned to Harrison, where Penny opened a small hairdressing shop attached to their home. She cherished the close-knit community and loved serving her clients, especially enjoying her friendship with John and Kathleen, the owners of the local General Store, and Jim and Diane, their life-long friends and camping partners. She often spoke fondly of the parties and community gatherings that marked her early years in the area.

In the mid-80s, Bill and Penny moved briefly to Sidney before settling in Billings, MT, where they raised their two daughters, Dawn and Sally. Penny continued her career as a hairdresser, balancing work with attending her daughters' sporting events, choir concerts, and piano recitals. Penny was an accomplished home baker and cake decorator, often asked to create birthday and wedding cakes for friends and family. Her home was always immaculate, a testament to the pride she had and how hard she and Bill worked for everything they had.

Later in life, Penny developed a passion for running, getting up early each morning to run with her dear friend and neighbor, Sandy. Together, they participated in several races, with the annual Women's Run being a highlight each spring.

In 2014, Penny and Bill moved to Western Montana to be closer to their daughters and their growing families. While she missed her social activities in Billings, Penny found great joy in spending time with her daughters, son-in-law, and grandsons. She attended her grandsons' band concerts, cross-country meets, and other school events, all while continuing to run and participate in races like Missoula's Half Marathon. She also continued to meet Sandy for the annual Women's Run in Billings, although they were now both traveling from other areas of MT to participate.

In Missoula, Penny worked as a claims adjuster for Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and as a seamstress at Missoula Children's Theater (MCT). Her work at MCT was one of her greatest joys, allowing her to combine her love of sewing and hairdressing. She often used her talents to design wigs and create costumes for the theater's productions. Penny also became an active member of her church, Clearwater Alliance, where she enjoyed working with children on holiday performances, participating in small study groups, and being involved in church socials.

Penny was a devoted Christian, always eager to share her faith and spread the Word of God. She loved her church community and spoke warmly of the friendships she had made there.

Penny is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Marion Olind. She is survived by her husband, Bill Miller, her brother Pete (Connie) Olind, daughters Dawn (Srikanon) Donham and Sally Miller, grandsons Camden and Caleb Donham, and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held in Harrison, MT, at K&L Mortuaries on Saturday, November 1st, at 11:00 a.m. Burial services will follow. A reception will follow burial at the Hollowtop Senior Citizens Center in Pony, MT that afternoon.

In honor of Penny's life and legacy, donations may be made to Missoula Children's Theater in memory of Penny Miller (through their Dedication option) by going towww.mctinc.org/give/or by going toGideons.org/donateto make a donation to help share the Word of God to communities around the world. Penny's joyful and generous spirit will be deeply missed on this earth by all who knew her.