Jerry Giles

Jerry Kent Giles 1940-2023

Jerry Age 83, passed away Saturday, October 14th, surrounded by his loved ones in Salt Lake City, UT. Jerry was born April 2nd, 1940 in the Tabiona school house to Ferrus M. and Margaret Giles. Jerry spent his younger years helping with the farm; milking cows, hauling hay, turning water, hunting and everything that comes with farm life.

 He later met and married the love of his life Mabel LeFevre, they moved to Salt Lake City where they had 3 children. Jerry worked very hard to support his family often working 20 hour days, by sleeping in the work parking lot between shifts. He eventually found his true calling and worked as the shipping and receiving supervisor at Hi-Land Dairy. He was a very hard worker he stayed at Hi-Land for 40 years. Shortly after retirement the love of his life Mabel passed away in March 2002. Jerry did not like being away from Mabel, she was buried in the Tabiona Cemetery.

 He moved to Hanna, UT to be closer to his love. Jerry enjoyed being outdoors; hunting, hiking and especially fishing from the boat at Red Creek. Jerry loved visits from family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always the source of fun and laughter at any family or non-family gatherings.

In 2020 Jerry had a serious fall which resulted in many injuries and moved to SLC, UT to live with his son Steven. Jerry soon took over and became the head of the house and brought his 2 dogs and 7 chickens with him. Although city life was not for this country boy he made the best of it. He had a garden, humming bird feeders and always had a triumphant smile on his face whenever he'd bring in a handful of chicken eggs or a ripe vegetable.

 Jerry soon learned all the inner workings of the neighborhood and became fast friends with all of them.Unfortunately Jerry became sick with what we thought was just a cold, however it quickly escalated and he was rushed to IMC hospital on Friday 10/13/2023. Although they tried, many doctors and nurses were unable to make him well again. Jerry passed away on October 14th surrounded by all his loved ones. Jerry taught us all many things, like how to make someone laugh, how to fix things, to love fiercely and most importantly how to be strong.

He is survived by three children; Rex (Valerie) Giles, Penny Oviatt, Steven (Annalisa) Giles, 3 brothers; Max (Carole), Lee (Kathy), Terry Giles, 2 sisters; Beth Lorg, Sharon (Ken) Bleak; 3 sisters-in-law, Carol Shields, Lynette Peck, and Marilyn Foy; 7 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grand child.

He is preceded in death by his wife Mabel LeFevre Giles, brothers Francis, Joe, Ed and James, 1 son-in-law, John Oviatt, parents, grandparents, and 1 great-granddaughter Kelsi Webb.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tabiona Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3750 North  37900 West, Tabiona, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 19, 6:00pm-8:00pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S. Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, Utah. with a viewing again Friday, 10:30-11:45 a.m. at the church in Tabiona, Utah

Interment, Tabiona Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Tabiona High School. Jerry really enjoyed going to basketball games there.