Merna Maxine Giles

Merna M. Giles of Yakima, WA formerly of Wapato, WA, passed away gently at Cottage in the Meadow on May 9, 2013.She was born February 5, 1926 in McDonald, Ka., to Frank and Minnie (Pickett) Heer. Eldest of eight children, Merna was ambitious and a self-starter. During her school years, because of her beautiful handwriting, she was asked to write letters for her teachers. Merna also excelled in track in the broadjump and running hurdles.

She later married Lloyd C. Giles in Atwood, Ka. Merna moved to Wapato, Wa., in 1945, to join family there. Her husband joined her there upon discharge from the army. In 1950 they bought a home and raised a huge garden. Merna canned more than 500 quarts of fruits and vegetables that year.

Merna sharpened her culinary skills early, cooking for the wheat harvest crews in Kansas. A few of the many jobs she held in Wapato were telephone operator, Wapato Evaporator, and a Delmonte cannery where one season she was head cook in their cafeteria. The aromas drew long lines to experience her homestyle creations. Before retiring, Merna worked many years as a caregiver in the Wapato area. Many times sharing things from her home with clients in need.

She was a charter member of the Wapato First Baptist Church.

Her favorite flower was the stargazer lily which she grew in her garden. Merna could accomplish well most anything she put her mind to. She was an excellent seamstress and everyone was honored to eat at her table, especially the traditional family favorite, homemade chicken and noodles. She always had her scissors and curlers ready if anyone needed a haircut or a perm.

Merna always enjoyed being well-groomed and color-coordinated, usually with a little sparkle. At Davita Dialysis she was regarded as “Diva” or “Hollywood” and loved by many there.

She raised six children and is survived by five; three daughters, Janis (Loel) Labberton of Roslyn, Wa., Sharon Hill of Moxee, Wa., and Judy Giles of Yakima, Wa.; and two sons, Douglas Giles of Santa Rosa, Ca., and Craig Giles of Yakima, Wa.; and a daughter-in-law, Susan Giles, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was a big sister to all her siblings and is survived by three sisters, Genevive Desmarais of Moxee, Wa., Phyllis Nelson of Orange, Ca., and Martha Odman of Milton-Freewater, Or. One of Merna’s best friends and companions was Mattie Grace, a six year old shih-tzu shared with daughter Judy.

Merna was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd Giles, two sons Gary Giles (2012) and an infant son James Michael Giles. Also preceded in death by four siblings; two brothers Richard Heer and Robert Heer; two sisters Marilyn Leidecker and Evelyn Rooker. A good friend and companion, Orval Taylor, passed away a month ago.

Graveside services will be held at West hills Memorial Park on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. Following will be a no host lunch at Creekside West in the upstairs mezzanine.

Donations can be made to Yakima Davita Center, 1221 N 16th Ave, Yakima, WA 98902.

The family would like to thank Landmark Care Center, Davita Dialysis, Cottage in the Meadow and everyone involved for their care and concern for our mother.