Ralph Luke Giles, 80, died Aug. 6, 2009, at his home, surrounded by family members.
Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St.
His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2625 Hughes Lane. Bishop Ernie Collard will officiate. Interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Ralph was born on April 25, 1929, to Douglas and Jennie Luke Giles in Heber City, Utah. After high school graduation, he attended Brigham Young University where he met the love of his life, Norma Simmons.
Ralph and Norma were married in the Logan, Utah, LDS Temple on June 9, 1949. They moved to Baker City not too long after their wedding. Ralph’s mother worried a little about Ralph marrying a “big city” girl and moving to that “big city.”
Ralph and Norma were blessed with three daughters, Lisa, Lori, and Leslie.
Ralph worked for Leo Adler, Levinger Rexall Drug, and Bohn’s Clothing. Ralph loved the customer service aspect of his work and always had a kind word for everyone.
After retiring, Ralph and Norma volunteered as Cub Scout Day Camp Leaders and at the Oregon Trail Regional Museum.
Ralph was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Lord and was always eager to serve wherever he was needed, family members said. Ralph served as a counselor in the Bishopric with his good friend Bill Gwilliam for several years.
Ralph’s interests and hobbies centered around his family and friends. He loved to visit and chat with people. He loved telling and listening to jokes. Ralph was an avid swimmer and enjoyed many years with the “Barnacle Club” at the local pool. Ralph enjoyed dancing at church dances with his sweetheart, Norma.
He is survived by his loving wife, Norma of Baker City. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 9. He also is also survived by his daughters and their husbands, Lisa and Dennis Beyer of Baker City, Lori and Greg Snyder of Albuquerque, N.M., and Leslie and Larry Smith of Salt Lake City, Utah; grandchildren Amelia Rose, Douglas Beyer, Sarah Bowden, Megan Niepraschk, Marisa Snyder, Courtney Snyder, Hannah Snyder, Tyler Smith, Brandon Smith and Matthew Smith; great-granddaughter, Penelope Bowden; sister, Marlene Yacek of San Leandro, Calif.; sister-in-law, Carol Simmons of Baker City; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Jennie Giles; brother, Ken; and sister, Grace.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Humanitarian Service Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon August 10, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor