RaeDell Heiner Giles

RaeDell H. Giles, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend and lifelong resident of the Morgan community, passed away peacefully at the Family Tree Assisted Living Facility on August 19th, with family by her side at the age of 89.

RaeDell was born April 7th, 1937 in Ogden Utah to John Lloyd and Florene Butters Heiner. Morgan was not simply the place where she lived-it was home in every sense of the word. It is where she grew up, raised her family, built a career, served her community, and made lifelong friendships. For her entire life, she lived in only 3 homes, all within a half mile. Her third home is where she lived happily for 65 years before spending her final 2 years at the Family Tree Assisted Living Facility.

RaeDell was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when she turned 8 years old in 1945. Her faith remained an important part of her life and she was active in the church throughout her life. She faithfully served in numerous church positions and callings, had a strong testimony of her savior and found joy in serving others.

She attended Morgan schools, graduating from Morgan High School in 1955. She was an active and spirited high school student, participating in several school activities. She stood out as a cheerleader with her energy, friendliness, and enthusiasm. those qualities stayed with her throughout her life.

RaeDell spent the summers of her early teenage years working at the family business at Como Springs as a key girl at the swimming pool, helping her mother and aunts with the hot dog stand, operating the kids rides, setting pins at the bowling alley and working at the roller rink. She started the summer when she was 16 as a lifeguard at the pool, where, she was literally struck by lightening as she leaned against the steel framed windows at the suit stand. She survived getting hit by lightning with minimal injuries and no permanent injuries and continued working as a lifeguard for the next couple of years.

Those words could almost be a motto for RaeDell's life. She had a remarkable ability to face whatever came her way with strength, humor, determination, and love.

RaeDell married her High School sweetheart Max David Giles July 11th, 1956 in the Logan Temple. They were later divorced. Together they were blessed with three children. Her family brought meaning to her life and remained one of her greatest sources of love.

She attended Weber State College where she earned her certificate in cosmetology, and began her career working at Parkside Hairstyling in Morgan in 1964. In 1991 she and a partner, Michelle Peterson, bought the salon and renamed it Mane Attraction. RaeDell worked at the salon making friends with everyone she met and making the local women beautiful and happy until she finally retired in November 2021 at the age of 84.

She also worked at East Canyon Resort in the store and checked in guests which she loved and met many new friends throughout the years.

For decades, RaeDell made much more than hair beautiful. She made people feel welcome, listened to their stories, celebrated their lives, and became a friend to generations of women in Morgan and surrounding communities. Her chair was a place where friendships were formed, stories were shared, laughter came easily, and people left feeling a little happier than when they arrived.

RaeDell loved her family and her faith with all her heart and she loved her work as a beautician.

She was very active in the community, belonging to the Les Mai Gai and Tykonis Clubs.

She bowled on a mixed doubles team at Parkside for many years. She had a collection of dolls, barbies, collectable spoons, clothes, and shoes from over the years. Her collection also included obituaries, funeral programs, cards, articles, and scrapbooks. She never missed a birthday (singing the special birthday song), anniversary, wedding, funeral or other special occasion.

RaeDell was preceded in death by her mother Florene Butters Heiner and father John Lloyd Heiner, her Brothers John Dee Heiner and Hal B Heiner, her sister Sheila Heiner Jones, and

Dan Sommers her life long friend and travel companion.

She is survived by her sister RuthAnn Barlow, Brother-in-law Allen Jones and three children Stan Giles Dewey, Arizona, Zana Rae (Randy) Wood Scenic, Arizona

and Robert Giles Ogden, Utah.

11 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, family members and dear friends who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

RaeDell's life was not measured by how far she traveled or how many places she lived. Her life was measured in relationships—in the people she served, the women she made beautiful, the family she loved, the friends she kept for a lifetime, and the generations that will carry her memory forward.

RaeDell spent most years of her life taking care of those around her. It was what she enjoyed doing most. She is one of the most Christlike, gentle people, and it truly shined through her every single day. RaeDell holds a special place in every heart she has touched. We can honor her by doing our best to help others and serve those around us.

She was a woman of faith, family, hard work, humor, resilience, and heart. She knew how to make a life in one small corner of the world and make that life meaningful. When life knocked her down—even when it literally struck her with lightning—RaeDell got back up.

And now, after a long and beautiful life, she can finally rest.

We want to thank the staff at Family Tree and Hospice for the loving and compassionate care.

A special thanks to Diane Giles and Nataya Vlaanderen for everything they did for our mom the last 2 years.

Funeral services are under the direction of Walker Mortuary and will be held on Monday August 31st 2026 at 12:00 pm at the Morgan LDS Stake Center.

Viewings on Sunday evening August 30th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Walker Mortuary and Monday August 31st from 10:30 to 11:30 at Morgan Stake center prior to the funeral service.

Interment at the North Morgan Cemetery following the funeral service