Betty Lou Waylett Giles

Betty Lou Giles, age 98, left this life on February 15, 2023. Born in Salt Lake City to George Edwin Waylett and Margaret Hutchinson on December 13, 1924,Betty’s life transversed political, economic and social upheavals that would have fazed a lesser woman. But Betty Lou was not a lesser woman.

Raised in Salt Lake City, Betty spent her growing up years working in her father’s grocery store. Throughout her entire life, she never forgot the address of the store, or of any of the homes in which she and her family lived. These memories were precious to her. She enjoyed working in the store whenever she could and was proud to be a member of the Waylett family.

She married John Lorenzo Giles on July 29, 1942. While John L. left to serve in the Pacific during WWII, Betty welcomed in the first of their children, John. Upon John L’s return home, their family expanded to include Danny, Kathy, Larry, Sheri and Scott. They raised their children in Kearns, Utah. Betty stayed home with the kids and was the heart of the family. Each of her children can share stories of Betty standing by their side (or up for them) whenever the occasion called for it.

Betty’s 19 grandchildren loved taking trips with her to Yellowstone, having sleepovers at her house in Kearns, listening to her tell stories of her youth and talking to her over the phone on regular check ins.

Her 50 great grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren provided her with pride and joy. She loved them each individually.

Betty was a talented musician. While never formally trained, she taught herself to play the organ and maintained her ability to play well into her mid-nineties. She loved music and found that it provided her a way to express her faith and brought her happiness and peace. She loved to listen to music and would often seek out the Lawrence Welk show to pass time throughout the day.

When John L. died in 1983, Betty opted to live on her own—and did so for the next 40 years. She never had a drivers license and never felt the need to learn. She loved to walk with her friends around her complex in Taylorsville, where she moved after his passing. It wasn’t, however, because she was afraid to change and to adjust what she wanted do and to become. She began more regularly attending church in her later years and determined that she wanted to attend the LDS Temple while in her 80’s. She would attend monthly with her daughter, Kathy, and daughters-in-law Judy, Tammy and Margaret. She set an example for her family that you can still be who you want to be and become what you want to become without regard to age. It is never too late. We are grateful to her for inspiring us all.

Beyond all else, Betty was consistent. She loved her family, was always available for them and was unflappable in the face of adversity. While she outlived most from her youth, she left an impression on all of those with whom she had contact and was easy to call a friend. She and her family are especially grateful for the new friends and caretakers who helped Betty these past few years.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Edwin, daughter-in-law Judy, granddaughter Loni, great grandson Jake, and by her best friend and sister, Bonnie. She loved Bonnie with her whole heart and looked forward to talking with her every day. She also grieved the passing of three of her children, Sheri (and Bob Heubner), Scott and Danny. All of these losses weighed heavily on her heart. Betty believed in the eternal nature of families and was, we believe, welcomed home by those who had passed before her. A few days before her death, she mentioned to her children that she had recently had a dream about her son, Danny. He had passed away just a month prior. She said “Danny says that it is not too bad there. I was really glad to hear that.” As long as there is access to banana cream pies and assorted candy, we’re sure she’s happy with it. She is survived by her children John, Kathy (Don) Broadhead and Larry as well as her daughters-in-law Margaret and Tammy, her loving grandchildren, greats and great-greats.

The eternities gained a strong woman with a gentle heart. We will miss her dearly but are forever grateful for the time that we had to spend with and learn from her.

Services will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary Chapel located at 3401 S. Highland Dr. Millcreek, UT on Saturday, February 25th at 1:00 pm. There will be a viewing prior at 12:00 pm.