Tena Giles

TENA GILES Tena R. Giles, 77, of Las Vegas, passed away in her home, Jan. 5, 2012. She was born Florentina Raes Rodriguez, June 20, 1934, in Chama, N.M., to Elvira Santistevan and Jose Rodriguez. Her family moved to Nevada in 1942. After graduating from Basic High School, she began a career in the banking industry, achieving the title of assistant vice president. After 40 years of service, she retired from banking. In 1996, she began working for the State of Nevada and retired in 2011. Tena touched the lives of many people. She was kind and generous and had smile for everyone she came across. She was a loving mother, sister, and friend and a role model for all who knew her. Tena leaves behind to cherish her beautiful memories daughters, Patti Taylor and Theresa Cornwell and her husband, Joseph, of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Jared Africa, Kellin Taylor, Logan Taylor, Kyler Cornwell, Lane Cornwell and Garen Cornwell of Las Vegas; sisters, Edwina Simpson and her husband, Jack, Mardi Peterson of Las Vegas, Terry Martinez; brothers, Don Rodriguez and his wife, Jeanie, and Avedon Rodriguez; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends; and her feline companions, Frazier and Sasha. Tena has joined her mother, Elvira; father, Jose; sister, Millie Archuleta; brother, Marco Rodriguez; and brother-in-law, Norman Peterson, who preceded her death. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at Palm Downtown Mortuary, 1325 N. Main Street, Las Vegas. Graveside service will follow at 1 p.m., at Palm Valley View Memorial Park, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nevada Cancer Institute or Nathan Adelson Hospice.