Obituary of Orson Giles

Orson Guy Giles, 87, of Othello, Washington, passed away on July 2, 2023. Born April 13, 1936 in Myton, Utah, Orson was the son of William Guy Giles and Zona Lapreele Carrell. Orson was a devoted and loving husband to his wife Shirley Wilkinson, who he married for time and eternity on 16 June 1964 in the Manti Temple. Shirley passed away in 2008. He was a caring father to his daughters Shirene Mortensen (Tracy), Sharma Lewis (Ted), and his adopted son Harold Giles (Sandee) as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Linda Sproul and his wife Sharon Giles who he married in 2009. Orson was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, William Giles, Theodore Giles, and sister Margaret Giles. Orson had a passion for education and spent his career making a difference in the lives of children. After graduating from Othello High School and Central Washington University, he became an elementary school teacher in Kennewick, Washington, and later an elementary school principal in South Bend, Washington. Orson’s dedication to his students left a lasting impact. Outside of his professional life, Orson had a variety of hobbies that brought him joy. He loved to dance and was on the ballroom dance team in college. He loved spending time outdoors, whether it was fishing or hunting. Orson had a natural talent for building or repairing things around the house. He and Shirley made the trip of a lifetime by visiting China. Shirley had polio at a young age and was in a wheelchair for her adult life. However, Orson made sure that she experienced all the trip had to offer by having her chair carried up and down a mountain of stairs so she could enjoy that part of the trip. Interestingly, Orson and Shirley met at Central Washington University when he took her wheelchair up and down the stairs to a common class. Orson was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young man he served a mission in California. He also served as a Bishop in South Bend and as an ordinance worker in the Columbia River Temple in Richland, WA. A viewing will be held at 10am, followed by services at 11am on Saturday, July 15, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 611 S 7th Ave, Othello, WA. Orson will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His generous nature, compassion, and devotion to his loved ones will always be remembered.