Ailene Daniels

Ailene Jean Daniels, beloved mother, grandmother, and unofficial CEO of Christmas fudge distribution, peacefully passed on November 18, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on July 15, 1942 in Canutillo, Texas, she entered the world as the fourth of ten siblings, meaning she knew how to negotiate a bathroom line.

Affectionately known as "Grandma Thor" by her grandchildren (a nickname she wore with pride), Ailene was a force of nature with a soft spot for books (her superpowers included finishing an entire book in a day), family, and cooking. If calories were currency, she'd have been a billionaire from the sheer amount of fudge she shared.

Ailene's life was an adventure. She spent most of it in California (Coalinga, Bakersfield, and Lemoore), helped raise her son's family in the frozen tundra of Minnesota, retired to enjoy the hot springs of Thermopolis, Wyoming with her husband, Ronnie, where they made many meaningful friendships, and finally returned to Texas to live with her daughter in Amarillo to bask in the warmth of family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Marie Black, her husband Ronald "Ronnie" Boiles, her cherished dog, Maggie, and five siblings (Orville Larabee, Lonnie Larabee, James "Jimmy" Black, Charles Black and Tommy Black), Ailene is surely catching up with all of them now - probably over a batch of fudge.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Greg Ramalho; her son Marvin "Peanut" Daniels Jr; her grandchildren (who face the daunting task of mastering her fudge recipe): Chad "Chaddy" Daniels (and spouse Lauren Daniels), Aric "Nick" Daniels (and spouse Trina Daniels), Joseph "Jojo" Ramalho, Carlee (aka Carlie) "Wotsee" Ramalho; four of her siblings (Nora Black, Larry Black, Glen Black, and Alvin "Hoppy" Black); and her first husband, Marvin Daniels, whose name they passed down to their son because the world needs more Marvins.

Ailene's legacy is one of love, laughter, and a firm belief that life is better with a good book, a sweet treat, and family by your side. Though we'll miss her dearly, her beautiful spirit lives on in every recipe shared and every book devoured. Rest in peace, Ailene. You will be remembered with love. Heaven's kitchen just got a whole lot sweeter.