Suk Har Ming

Suk Har “Amelia” Ming 

September 2, 1948 – September 29, 2025

Suk Har “Amelia” Ming of Missoula passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, at Hope Hospice Center, following complications from lymphoma. A true fighter, Amelia courageously overcame both colon and breast cancer during her lifetime.

Born on September 2, 1948, in Hoi Ping, Canton, China, to Cheung Sim and Choi Sin, Amelia was raised in Hong Kong where she attended English grade and secondary schools. She later worked as a clerk and accountant before marrying Wong Nom Ming in 1974. That same year, Amelia immigrated to Missoula, Montana, becoming a trailblazer for her family, with her siblings following her to America.

Amelia’s faith was a guiding force throughout her life and she treasured her church family. She attended Concordia Lutheran School in Hong Kong, where she discovered her Christian faith. After settling in Missoula, she became a devoted member of First Lutheran Church in 1974 and remained active in the congregation for over 50 years.

Amelia worked alongside her family at Ming’s Restaurant until its closure in 1999, and later managed China Express in the local Safeway. Her warm presence and storytelling made even the simplest moments entertaining and memorable.

Amelia was a devoted mother who took immense pride in raising her four children and doting on her granddaughter, nieces, and nephews. She actively supported her children's many activities—whether it meant hauling a full-sized bass to orchestra, driving to piano and swim lessons, attending countless band concerts, volunteering as a room mother and cheering from the sidelines at a cross country meet. She loved to travel, especially with her husband Nom in search of great Chinese food. Among her favorite trips were an Alaskan cruise, a 2011 journey to China and Hong Kong with her daughters, and a sisters’ trip to Asia.

In her later years, Amelia remained fiercely independent and continued to inspire those around her with her strength, humour and spirit.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Nom, her parents, and her brother Choi Shu Pui.

Amelia is survived by her siblings, Ken Choi, Lily Malahowski, and Virginia Patterson, along with their families. She is also survived by her children: Samuel Ming (Teresa Devera) of Fremont, CA; Wisdom Ming (Michael Mellick) of Portland, OR; Miranda Ming (Jacob Copley) of Missoula, MT; and Lani Ming (Jesse Durfy) of Seattle, WA. In addition, she leaves behind her cherished granddaughter, Samantha Ming (Jasmin Quijano) of Denver, CO, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Montana Cancer Center, Partners in Home Care, and Hope Hospice Center for their compassionate care.

A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Ave West, Missoula, MT 59804 on Monday, October 13th, at 11:00am, with a light reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Amelia’s honor to First Lutheran Church.