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Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 10:30 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Hilland Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the American Legion Hall in Philip.



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In memory of

Ronald "Ron" Millage

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at his home near Philip at the age of 78

Ronald Eugene Millage was born January 6, 1945, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the oldest of four children born to Floyd and Doris (Long) Millage. He was baptized and confirmed at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Philip. He grew up northeast of Philip and attended Magnason Rural School before attending Philip High School, graduating in 1963. He entered the South Dakota Army National Guard and served until being honorably discharged in September 1967.

He was united in marriage to Marilyn Herrman on July 10, 1965, in Philip, South Dakota. Ron started work at the Western Cattle Company and later for various ranchers in the Hermosa and Kadoka area. He started flying lessons during this time, and later in life fulfilled his dream of flying. In 1977, the family moved to the ranch in the Hilland area where he has since resided. In the mid 1980’s, Ron went to Ogden, Utah to learn the boot making/repair trade. He then owned and operated Millage Boot Company in Philip for a number of years. He later started delivering mail for Raymond Clements, and eventually took over the mail route in Creighton and later in Philip, which he continued to do until his death.

Ron was a life member of the American Legion Post #173, of Philip, and the Forty & Eight Voiture #522 of Pierre, where he was very active in both. He was very proficient with the banjo and played a lot of music with Chuck Carstensen. He enjoyed shooting pistols, and was a member of both pistol leagues and trap leagues in the area.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn of Philip; four children Craig Millage and his wife Tamara of Connell, Washington, Michael Millage and his wife Julie of Arlington, Washington, Amy Hatheway and her husband Christopher of Ft. Pierre, and Jody Millage of Philip; nine grandchildren Emmalee and Eleanor, Joshua and Rebecca, Charly and Oscar, Zoe, Aria, and Benito; two brothers Joe Millage and Elaine of Philip, and Steve Millage of Philip; and one sister Lynn Seifert of Rapid City.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Floyd Millage on September 8, 1985, and his mother Doris (Long) Millage on May 26, 2006; and a brother-in-law Mark Seifert.

Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 13, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Cindy Bisser officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at the Hilland Cemetery north of Philip.

VISITATION
Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 5-7 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

PRAYER SERVICE
Thursday, January 12, 2023 - 7 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICE
Friday, January 13, 2023 - 10:30 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

CLERGY
Pastor Cindy Bisser
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Barb Bowen - Pianist
John Kaiser - Vocalist
”The Place Where I Worship”
Congregational Hymn - “I’ll Fly Away”

USHERS
Eric Seifert - Jeremy Seifert

PALLBEARERS
Craig Millage - Michael Millage - Jody Millage
Joe Millage - Steve Millage - Rick Christopherson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS
Hilland Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

  • I am so sorry for your loss. I have nothing but good memories of Ron's smile and laugh. He was a special part of the Hilland & Philip community. The entire Millage family is in my thoughts and prayers, especially my dear friend Amy. Sending love and prayers. ~ Sherry Hanson (2/7/2023)
  • So sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He was a good friend and neighbor. always had time to visit. Our thoughts and Prayers go out the Millage Family. ~ Ralph & Kathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (2/7/2023)
  • I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I always enjoyed our visits and his boot shop was where I'd head when I had a break at work. His kindness, mentorship and wisdom will always be a part of me. ~ Nancy Heigh Vale, SD (2/7/2023)
  • To the whole Millage family, so sorry for your loss. Ron was a great man! ~ Judy Pierre, S.D. (2/7/2023)
  • I am so saddened to hear of Ron's passing. I rarely remember seeing him without a smile & always had a big wave whenever you'd meet him on the road. He always had time to visit & a story to tell. He was the best mailman too, never late & would call whenever you had a package that wouldn't fit in your mailbox. His will be missed by all who knew him. My sincerest sympathy to his entire family. ~ Cindy (Gabriel) Nuzum Wall, SD (2/7/2023)
  • I just wanted to say that Ron was a good man, and that his presence will be missed by many! Amy, you have my deepest sympathies! Sincerely, Bryan K. Kiel ~ Bryan K. Kiel Amherst, Ohio (1/12/2023)
  • Marilyn and Family- I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this very hard time. ~ Julie McLaughlin Midland, SD (1/12/2023)
  • My sympathy to Amy and Chris ,Oscar , Charlie and the entire Millage family ~ Kay Calkins Venjohn Lakeland Florida (1/11/2023)
  • Sourh Dakota ~ Joan Kirchhevel Rapid City (1/11/2023)
  • We have known Ron for many years, he was very proud to be a Legion and 40&8 member. He will be missed by many. We know that he is in a better place. ~ Les & Joann Pearson Philip, SD (1/11/2023)
  • Thanks for your service ~ A VETERAN (1/11/2023)
  • My sympathies to the entire Millage clan. I loved Ron dearly and I will miss our chats and his words of wisdom. My heart is with you. ~ Kim Petersen Philip (1/10/2023)