Lawretta Marie Miller, 50, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 16th, 2020. She was born on November 9th 1969, in Billings, Montana to Lawrence (Larry) and Eugenia (Jeanie) Demaniow.
Lawretta was the 7th of 9 siblings; Laura, Lee, Dean, Mark, Lisa, Janine, Marian, and James.
She spent her early childhood in Billings and then her family moved to Colstrip while she was in the first grade. She spent the remainder of her childhood in Colstrip and graduated from Colstrip High in 1988.
Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Dana Miller and they were married 7 years later in June of 1995.
Her and Dana raised 3 children (Joshua, Tane’, and Jacob). She had an immense love for children, and it showed by the amount of people that she blessed over the years.
Lawretta found her gift of baking through a fundraising opportunity while Tane’ was in High School. She quickly learned that she could use her cheesecakes, fudge, pumpkin rolls, and peanut brittle to bless other people.
Lawretta’s heart was always focused on serving and helping other people.
Over the years she held many different jobs and always seemed to rise to a position of authority (The Law).
She served in ministry at the Foursquare church with Dana until it closed in 2017.
Around 2005, she started working for Taylor’s Ace Hardware.
While working at Ace, she would continue to do as she has always done; giving people her time and attention, usually going above and beyond what was required.
If there is one theme that is consistent with her life, it was her love of God and her willingness to serve other people.
She is survived by her husband, Dana Miller of Colstrip; sons, Joshua (Nicole) and Jacob Miller; daughter, Tane’ Miller; brothers, Dean, Mark, and James (Tara) Demaniow; sisters, Laura, Lisa Demaniow and Janine Perry; grandchildren, Dylan Burt, Lucas Light, Hailey, Mikayla, and Kyler Miller; nieces, Miranda, Harmony, Jaree, Heather, and Jayci; nephews, Kajleb, Andy, Alex, Adam, Joseph, and James Jr.
Lawretta was preceded in death by her parents, brother Lee, sister Marian, and nephew William.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
There just isnt enough words to tell you all how sorry we are for Lawretta’s passing. Heaven definitely gained a Angel with a huge heart and soul. I will visiting with her so much. She will forever be missed. We are all thinking of you through this trying time. God bless you all. Buggs and Loni Hartman
Bonnie Dickinson says
Lawretta was one of the good people. Always helping and caring for others. This town will miss her immensely. My prayers go out to the family. God needed an angel
God bless Bonnie Dickinson
Tammy Robinson says
Our deepest sympathies go out to Lawretta’s family. Lawretta was an amazing person. She had a way of making you feel like you were a really good friend, always taking the time to connect and share. I always left our conversations and interactions feeling happy and blessed. Praying God heals your broken hearts and that you find peace in him, in your memories of Lawretta, and knowing how truly loved she is. Tammy and Carl Robinson
Peggy Salitros says
I am so sorry for your family and the community’s loss.
Boni and Gary Eernisse says
Gary and I are deeply saddened by Lawretta’s passing and your loss, but we rejoice in her gain. We pray for comfort, strength and peace for her family and friends.
Marilyn Mader says
Dana and family, I could not believe it when I heard that Lawretta was gone, but we know she is with the Lord and although we will miss her greatly, that takes away some of the sting as we will get to be with her again some day. Know that we are praying for you and the staff at Taylors and others who Lawretta came in contact with. May they give some thought to their eternity…I will never forget the good times during the Baptist Church Cantatas and Pizza Hut days. She was truly a bright light and full of joy and love!
Carol Ankney says
I will miss your positive attitude, smiling face, wonderful treats that you shared. There sure is a hole in my heart. So sorry for your family left behind. You will truly be missed. God bless you & give strength to Dana & family, in learning to live without your presence here on earth.
Jennifer Baker says
i will miss her smile that brightened up whatever room she was in.
James J Demaniow says
Lawretta, your warm, caring heart blessed us w/your presents. Words can describe who you are but your personality & actions showed us more then words can describe. You showed us the meaning of life by guiding us from the life you lead. We all should cherish and follow… and for that I simply Thank you. In our hearts forever we Love you Sincerely….. James, Tara and Jamezee Demaniow.
Helen Shaw says
Until we meet again! I can not find the words to express. Lawretta you will be missed beyond words. May your family keep the wonderful memories close to help them through.
Nan Taylor says
Lawretta and her sister Lisa were the “Colstrip Welcoming Committee” that greated me and our children our first day in Colstrip at Rye Park in 1979. I remember her warm smile and energetic enthusiasm. She took the time to play with the kids and told me everything I needed to know about living in Colstrip. We watch her grow up and enjoyed working and serving the Lord with her. That smile and energetic enthusiasm continued to bless many in Colstrip and I know that Colstrip ( and the world) is a better place because of her.
Our prayers are with you Dana, Josh, Jacob and Tane’ and for her brothers and sisters I know you will dearly miss her.
With out a doubt, she is organizing and incharge of somthing already in heaven and doing it with her smile and enthusiasm. Love you ❤
Duane Ankney says
Lawretta will be greatly missed by the community. Her smile and upbeat attitude. She was a good friend. May God be with you and your family
Judy Trout says
I won’t forget Lawretta and the loving concern she showed me when she heard my husband had passed away. I also will remember the times I would go to Taylor’s and she would greet me with such a warm and welcoming smile! Thank you Lawretta for always showing your devotion and love of Jesus. You will be missed!!
Kenny Stokes says
So sorry to hear of Lawretta’s sudden and way too soon passing. I remember the prayers, food, and kind words she had for us when my Jeane was sick and then later at her funeral. Lawretta was a very special person. We’ll miss her but Heaven gained another angel. My thoughts and prayers are with the Miller and Demaniow families.
Mary Holzwarth says
Dana and family our sincere condolences on your loss of an angel here on earth. Your in our thoughts and prayers, at this most difficult time. Here pumpkin rolls were the best; I’ve eaten many. God bless.
Emaline Slone says
I met Lawretta at the Foursquare Church. I was instantly drawn to her. Her love for The Lord and her relationship with him shone in everything she did. She was a great lady. I’ll never forget the day my husband and I left Colstrip. She helped us load the last of our things in the uhaul, prayed over us and went home. Then she chased us down at Town Pump and gave us sandwiches for the road. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the rest of the family. Lord wrap your arms around them and give them comfort. I’ll see you again someday my friend❤
Penny Morse says
I am so sorry for your loss. What a heartbreak. Butch and Penny Morse
Mike & Paula Childers says
“We hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives
Until we meet again.”
Lawretta was a blessing to all she knew, & she never knew a stranger. A true Ray of Golden Sunshine. She was dearly loved by family and friends. Still can’t believe she’s gone. Our most Heartfelt Sympathy to Dana, Tane’, Josh, Jacob, and all her extended family. <3
JoAnn Kofford says
I can not put into words…what a special soul Lawretta was. Prayers for the families loss.
Mike Cadwell says
Mike and Geri Cadwell,
Lawretta was a treat to know and a joy to work through at the hardware store. Prayers to Dana and family.
Shannon Liebelt says
I am so very sorry to hear of this—heaven gained an angel while her family and community lost one! I had the pleasure of knowing Lawretta while we lived in Colstrip. She blessed several of us young Mom’s by watching our kids for us every week while we had Bible study and some fellowship time. She did this so willingly and with love—it was such a blessing at that time in our lives!! My sincerest condolences to her family—May God grant you peace and may you focus on all the wonderful memories you have of her. While she will be missed, you can rest assured she is celebrating in heaven! Much love, Shannon Liebelt
Doug and Debbie Skiles says
Dana and family and the Damaniow family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Lawretta was a very kind and giving soul. She will be missed.
Love, Hugs and Prayers,
Doug and Debbie Skiles
Jay and Deb Terrett says
Colstrip was Lawretta’s town! One was never a stranger for long! We will miss her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. We will miss watching her walk and play with the dogs…her service to all was an inspiration! May you all be blessed with God’s comfort and peace.
Jim Young says
I will always cherish the memories of Lawretta. I grew up around her and even worked with her at Colstrip Town Pump. Her smile was infectious and she was always the happy one of the bunch. I will always remember fondly. My condolences to all her family and close friends. May God bless all her family and friends. Condolences to all.
Amy and Justin Batey says
Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace, go out to all of your family….We will truly miss your beautiful heart and will always cherish all the sweet words and friendship throughout the years…a true blessing to all who was ever lucky enough to cross your path…Thank you for being you!…we will miss you…until we meet again.
Lu Shomate says
There was no finer a human than Lawretta. It’s true – no matter where you were she always went above and beyond to help or make the world a little better place for everyone. That infectious smile – can’t think of Lawretta without her smile! A true Colstripian, Community Member and huge Colstrip Supporter – always and forever had the Greatest Love of her Lord and Family. My heart goes out to Dana and the entire family. Until we meet again Lawretta – thank you for being my friend.
Duane and Sue Allred says
Our condolences to Lawretta’s family, we will miss her greatly. She was a very good part of our community, one of the reasons why we call Colstrip our home.
ROSEANNA PORTER says
Condolences to the family.
I first knew Lawretta as Marian’s sister as Marian was in my class. Later Lawretta was my boss at the Town pump when I was working through college.
She hired my Dad after he retired and treated him with such respect. When my parents were moving home to New Mexico they had very little help. Lawretta gathered a team of people and knocked it out in no time flat. I will forever love and appreciate Lawretta for what she for my parents when I couldn’t be there. She was an amazing person. I always hoped I would be able to get back to Colstrip to hug her abd tell her Thank you but I never did.
Sandy K. White says
There are not enough good words to say about Lawretta. She was an amazing devoted Christian woman and friend. An example of what we should strive to become. So many good memories.
You will be deeply missed by those blessed to have known you. Rest In Peace until we meet again🌺💕
Cindy Bennett says
So very sad and such a great loss for the world. She was such a joy to be around.
Athena Ellis (Gray) says
Condolences to her children and family. May her life be celebrated and honored during this time. You will all be in my prayers.
Lsurie Lelm says
So sorry for your loss, Lawretta was a great person. She always had a smile and I am glad I got to know her, when I lived in Colstrip. God bless you all and my prayers are with you.
Terry Currier says
Hard to imagine not being greeted by Lawretta when I go to Taylors. You will be miss by not only your family but by our whole community as well!
We love you Lawretta and you will always be remembered! RIP beautiful Lady!
Tammy says
Loretta was a wonderful friend. We always prayed together at the hardware store. She was one of my only friends in Colstrip. She always made time for me when I came to see here. As soon as she found out I lost my hearing she would always tell me that God will heal me. She had a great faith in God. I pray for her husband and family daily. I will miss her until we meet again.
Patsy Lackey says
Lawretta’s presence in Colstrip will be greatly missed. She was such a sweet soul and always had a smile. My heartfelt condolences go to her family.
Walt R Donges says
Dana, my heart is aching. Lawretta was unique in her love for you and the lives you built over the last 30 years. I will always cherish standing up for you and being your ‘Best Man’ for your wedding. Demaniow family, my thoughts are with you during this time.
Derek Gordon says
Condolences to her family and prayers for both Lawretta and family. I have very fond memories of her from my childhood in Colstrip; spent a lot of time hanging out at their house with James. She was always kind and friendly. So sorry to hear about her passing.
Jane Toohey Hall says
God Bless you Lawretta….
God Bless you, Dana. I love you like a brother.
Cindy Stanton says
What a smile Lawretta had. She always seemed just delighted. She will be missed but live on in the many whose lives she touched and changed May God bless and keep her family.
Valerie Turk says
We have but one life on this earth, and we must make the most of it. During the few years that I knew Lawretta, I saw and felt her genuineness and caring attitude in everything she said and did. Yes, she did make the most out of her life. Her love of her family and all those around her was clearly evident. I am heartbroken to lose such a sweet friend. May God bless her family with peace and healing during this difficult time. 🙏
Andrita Harris says
My deepest condolences to Demaniow Family and Dana and the kids. Lawretta was one of a kind. Always had a smile that can brighten up the day. God Bless. God has gotten a great angel at his side.
Judy sessions says
Losing Lawretta is a loss that will be felt deeply in Colstrip. Our condolences to Dana and family. Lawretta was an amazing person, I will miss her.
Mike and Jacque Bell says
I will cherish the times Lawretta and I spoke of special, spiritual things when we visited; sometimes those conversations took place over a couple visits to Taylor’s. She often asked about our son Matt, which would lead into some discussions about how kids can drive their parents crazy, and still be a cause for pride and love. “Gone too soon” is often thought to be a cliche’, but in this case, nothing could be more true!
Dana, my heart aches for you and your kids. Knowing your faith, and Lawretta’s, I know you believe that this is but a temporary separation…but it hurts horribly none the less. The pain will get less, eventually, and memories will become more cherished, but the sense of loss may never go completely away. May God’s richest blessings cover you at this time! May He comfort you as needed for the moment.
Judy Hayworth says
Lawretta was in my first class (4th grade) that I taught at IBES. She was a gift of sunshine! That year she made me a shining sun that I used on a bulletin board design every Spring from 1979-2007! When I would put up that bulletin board design each Spring, I would thank God, that He had allowed her to be part of my life. May God grant Dana, and all of Lawretta’s family, comfort and peace.
With my love and prayers, Judy H.
Tammy Venne says
No words can Express the loss of Lawretta. Lawretta always was a bright ray of sunshine no matter where you bumped into her. Her smile , laughter and joy will be sorely missed by all that loved her. God Bless Lawrettas family
Kurt Cadlo says
Dana, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Jack Burns says
What a beautiful soul from inside out ,you were truly blessed when the lord brought you two together. Prayers for comfort in this most difficult time my friend.
Donna McCulloch says
Lawretta will be sorely missed in the community of Colstrip, she was always a ray of sunshine and a perfect example of how to treat others. Rest In Peace Lawretta , God’s blessings on your family and prayers for peace and comfort.
Leon and Connie Scheeler says
Dana and family and the Demaniow family.
We were deeply saddened to hear of the too soon passing of Lawretta! We will always remember her when she lived in Billings for her bright smile and sparkling eyes! She will be missed! Take comfort that she is in heaven with her Lord and Savior. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Dinstel says
Lawretta was definitely a Sunbeam. She greeted everyone with her warm smile, fun laugh, and kind heart. Colstrip was a better place because of Lawretta. She will always be remembered. Prayers to All of Her Family.
Christy Smith says
Lawretta was one of the most benevolent people I have ever met. She was always giving and it didn’t matter if she knew you a little or a lot. When my dad passed away almost 6 years ago she was there and helping to prepare and make all the food arrangements. She would stop by my house and put rotisserie chickens from Costco in my freezer because she knew I liked them! When I would walk into ACE she would tell me how good and looked losing weight even though I wasn’t losing anything lol. Her mind was made up to serve Jesus and be His light in this community and reach out to whomever she could. I am one person who owes her thanks for her willingness to obey God. She was a blessing in my life and her and Dana opened their church to me to minister. They both prayed for me and agreed to be the ministers presenting me with my license in ministry when I received it from the Assemblies of God. Lawretta even got down and prayed over my feet for where God would lead me. She was a wonderful person and I loved her unshakable Faith and kindness. One day, if Jesus tarries, when I wake up in the Land of Glory, Lawretta will be one of the Saints I will share my story.
don karpack says
Don and Leigh Karpack: Dana we are sorry to hear Lawretta passing. She was a joyful person always. Our prayers are with your family.
Rhonda Norris says
I am truly sorry for your lost. Lawretta was always a bright light. Her smile was contagious!! We where good friends since we where kids and she was family! She will be missed by many! Colstrip will not be the same she loved her home so much.
M G says
My condolences to all of you during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy. Take time to grieve and find comfort in knowing that God is near all those calling on Him. ( Psalms 145 : 18 )
Pamela Spang says
I was so sorry to find out she had passed. She was my favorite person at Taylor’s. She was so bubbly and happy all the time. I really miss her now when I go in there. But God got another beautiful person in heaven.