Obituary: Marilyn (Mitzi) Mae Miller Huft
Author: Family of Marilyn (Mitzi) Mae Miller Huft
Marilyn (Mitzi) Mae Miller Huft
Family of Marilyn (Mitzi) Mae Miller Huft
Marilyn (Mitzi) Mae Miller Huft, age 72, of Townsend, Montana, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mitzi was born on February 6, 1953, in Havre, Montana, to Floyd and Dorlene (Friede) Miller, the youngest of four. She attended Davey School up to 8th grade and graduated from Havre High School in 1971.
In 1974, Mitzi married Bim Strauser. Though their relationship wasn’t permanent, they welcomed their son, Buster, in 1977. Although he was her only biological child, there were many who called her mom.
On June 18, 1983, Mitzi married the love of her life, Gordon Huft in Chinook. Later that year, they moved to Plentywood, where they lived until 1997. In 1997, Gordon’s job moved them across Montana to Townsend.
Together, they built a life filled with laughter, adventure, and love. Mitzi was a devoted wife, mother, bonus mom, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her husband Gordon; her son Buster (Sarah) Strauser of Springfield, Missouri; her two bonus daughters, Vondra (Dustin) Garner of Fargo, North Dakota, and VaNessa (Tambouzi) Green of Elgin, South Carolina.
Mitzi worked various jobs throughout her life. In 1999, she went to work for the Materials Bureau Lab with the Montana Department of Transportation, where she dedicated 19 and a half years of service before retiring in July of 2018.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her grandchildren: Tyler Smith, Caiden Strauser, Emily Strauser, Kenza (Patrick) MacPherson, Ethan Iverson, Maci Iverson, Brantyn (Annabelle) Iverson, Esequiel Green, and Noelle Green; and great-grandchildren: Esao Iverson, Mya Ellis, Riley Iverson, Piper Iverson, and Damien Ellis. She is also survived by her siblings Judy (John) Brady of Gillette, Wyoming, Larry (Phyllis) Miller of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; cousin Karen Magda of Malta, Montana (who was like a sister), as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Mitzi was known for her awesome sense of humor, free spirit and ability to go with the flow. She always had a smile on her face. Her home was always open, and she made everyone who visited feel like family. Family was the heart of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She loved gardening, crocheting, and bowling and had a passion for fishing, camping, and riding side-by-side with her husband. She especially cherished family weekends, which were full of joy and laughter. During the winters she and Gordon spent in Yuma, Arizona, Mitzi found joy in helping plan community events at Lazy S/Roadrunner Park, where she formed lasting friendships.
Mitzi was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Dorlene Miller; her sister, Lorainne (Miller) Schwenke; brother-in-law, Charles Schwenke; and sister-in-law, Candye Miller.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Townsend, MT. Interment will follow the luncheon at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, 3550 Heroes Rd, Fort Harrison, MT.
Honorary Pallbearers include Maci Iverson, Esequiel Green, Tyler Smith, Brantyn Iverson, Noelle Green, Caiden Strauser, and Emily Strauser.
Mitzi's light and love touched everyone she met. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.
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