Mary Miles
April 6, 1934 - November 20, 2022
Mary (Meme) Belle Little Miles was born on the sunniest of days on April 6th, 1934, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Parents, Ruth Webster and Welsey Blaine Little named Mary after the most beautiful woman they had ever known. A family relative who lived in the south, Miss Mary Belle. Priding herself in this honorary title of beauty, Mary lived a life full of all things lovely and fair. Graduating East High, with a lasting love infatuation with Bart Piper, the most handsome man that Mary had ever laid eyes on, she carried this fondness for Bart all her living days. Nothing became of this insatiable crush on Bart, a pity, but she did marry Raguel Barber Miles, who was a hazel-eyed man with a mischievous personality. Together they had a daughter, Teri Lynne Miles.
A mischievous personality equals quick divorce.
Mary worked for many years and retired from Kennecott Copper as their prestigious Executive Assistant. Known for her outstanding work ethic and office savvy, she was a cherished employee of that Coppery Mine. Enjoying early retirement she became a world-class grandma, whom her grandkids affectionately called Meme. Living next to, and later with, her daughter's family, she was never far from a bruised knee to life's celebrations. Making every holiday truly special with her gourmet cooking, she loved to spoil her dear ones with a scrumptious meal. Cooking was her art and passion and taught her granddaughters the joy of cooking. Meme and her daughter, Teri, took part in several business ventures. Having a store in the once-historic Cottonwood Mall, Homespun Keepsakes as well as having a yearly booth at the Dicken's Christmas Festival, this entrepreneurial spirit lasted many wonderful years.
This zest for life took Meme to many exotic places. Cruising became her preferred way to travel. When not globe trotting to distant countries or dreaming about Bart Piper, Meme loved to go out to lunch. Treating her grandkids or taking her best friend/sister Carol Duncan out to a saucy eatery, she always made time for hot food with a slice of titillating chit-chat. Convinced that every waiter had a crush on her, she enjoyed the attention of men at every age. She also loved having her age guessed at Lagoon. Having been blessed with ageless skin, Meme would cackle with delight whenever a worker at such booths would incorrectly guess her age, by a lot, thus winning a stuffed animal but the real prize was the ego boost.
Meme, loved deeply by family and friends, passed away blissfully on a radiant, sunny morning on November 20, 2022. An outrageous gathering will be held in her honor on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at her daughter's and son-in-law's residence. Followed by a graveside service located at Mountain View Mortuary in Cottonwood Heights. In lieu of flowers, Meme would much rather you spend the money taking your loved ones out to lunch, and don't forget to flirt, gossip, and laugh. Bon appetite.
Meme is survived by daughter Teri Lynne (Tom) Jessup, Grandkids Mindy (David) Ockey, Tom (Stephanie) Jessup, Jessica (Scott) Hansen, Wesley Jessup, and Candace (David) Swift. and a plethora of great-grandchildren. Meme's legacy lives on.