LaRena Giles

LaRena Rose Powell Giles Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away Friday, September 12, 2025. She was surrounded by loved ones and dedicated caregivers. She went peacefully to her heavenly parents and loved ones.
She reached her 100th birthday in early August of this year. During her lifetime she witnessed many new inventions which revolutionized human society. To mention a few: automobiles, airplanes, telephones, TV, computers, smartphones, vaccines and internet. She witnessed many miracles in her lifetime as well.
LaRena was born August 12, 1925 to Shirlif and Florence Reece Powell. Her early childhood was spent on a ranch in Magrath, Alberta, Canada. There as a young child she learned the value of hard work. The family migrated to Lehi, Utah when she was 10 yrs. old. She grew up in the family home in Lehi. She was the middle child out of seven children.
She contributed as a young girl with her many talents of baking bread, canning fruits, cleaning and decorating the home. Some of her first jobs were in the Lehi bakery and on a turkey farm. She claimed she gave her earnings to her mother to make ends meet during World War II.
LaRena met her handsome basketball all-star sweetheart at a café in Pleasant Grove, Utah where he frequently visited, and they fell in love.
After graduating from Lehi High, she went up to Seattle, Washington. There she helped assemble parts on airplanes. She became "Rosie the Riveter." During the holidays in 1944, Kelly, her sweetheart, proposed to her. They were married March 2, 1945. They made their home in Pleasant Grove and welcomed five children.
LaRena was affectionately known as Rena by everyone. She, at a young age, fully embraced her passions. Shortly after they married, they bought a new home where she used her talents in many ways. Rena remodeled and finished the basement, moved walls upstairs, decorated and made a home. Later she invested in real estate and remodeled them. She also invested in the oil industry. She loved gardening and took great delight in her Lehi rose garden where she purchased her childhood home.
Rena was an accomplished seamstress and homemaker. She was caught trying everything like snow skiing, golfing and playing ball. She mostly enjoyed bowling and her claim to fame was dancing with heels, which she enjoyed late into her 80s. Rena loved small children and was very generous with everyone. Making people feel special and gifting made her happy. She attributed her longevity to healthy eating and dancing.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Verdell (Kelly) Giles, her son Kelly Dean Giles, and many others who now welcome her to heaven. She is survived by her four children: Shirlene May, Connie (Joe) Kenney, Larry Giles, Bob (Liz) Giles, and her treasured 19 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren, and her beloved younger sister, Ila Webb.
We will miss her greatly. She will be remembered as an integritus, independent, strong, courageous, fun grandma. She was sharp as a tack until the very end, demanding respect. We admired her, she was a great example for all.
Thanks for the hundreds of cards and letters over the years. We will see her again.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 12 Noon in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 10:00 – 11:45 am prior to the service. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.