Tony Wells Giles

Tony Wells Giles, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, at her home in St.George, Utah surrounded by family following a long battle with health issues.

Tony was born in Ralls, Texas on April 15,1947 to Walter and Cleo Wells. As the oldest of five daughters, she was raised Texas-tough with an independent spirit and deep pride in her heritage. No matter where life took her, when asked where she was from, Tony would state her current home but always proudly qualify it with, "But I’m from Texas."

At eighteen, as a new convert to the LDS Church, Tony attended Brigham Young University on an academic scholarship. She embraced the culture shock with her characteristic determination, and it was there that she met her future husband, David Giles. They were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised seven children. They spent twenty-one years in Heber City, Utah, before moving to Baker City, Oregon. They later relocated to Mesquite, Nevada, for the warmer weather, and eventually settled in St. George, Utah, to be closer to medical care and family. 

Tony was loving, feisty, and fiercely loyal. She loved her family with her whole heart and often said her daughters and sisters were her best friends. She managed a busy home, cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was always the first to help anyone in need—family or strangers alike.

Beyond her devotion to her family, Tony had diverse interests and she possessed a deep love of the outdoors. In the kitchen, loved cooking for her family and had a legendary ability to whip up amazing, comforting meals with just a few simple ingredients. When she finally found a quiet moment to herself, she was an insatiable reader. Her nightstand was a testament to her broad curiosity, holding everything from gripping mystery novels to meticulous historical biographies.

Above all, she instilled in her children the value of education, hard work, and service.When her youngest child started kindergarten, Tony returned to college to fulfill her longtime dream of becoming a teacher. She taught elementary school in both Utah and Oregon. Having raised seven children with strong and varied personalities, she possessed a special gift for reaching students. Tony saw every child’s potential, fiercely believing that each one had a unique spark and an area where they could truly excel. She also brought that same sharp intellect and work ethic to a successful career in real estate.

Tony is survived by her husband of sixty years, David Giles; their seven children:Andrew (Sue) Giles, James (Amy) Giles, Marie Adams, Mark (Bobbi) Giles, Cindy(Mike) Pierce, Lisa (Mark) Wiseman, and KayLyn Giles (Heidi Riddle); twenty-two grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters—Gayle (Eddie) Clark, Lynn (Ronnie) King, Nola (Ronnie Pete) Cooper, and Kym(Ray) Allen—along with numerous nieces and nephews she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Cleo Wells; her parents-in-law, Sherman and Kaye Giles; her beloved grandparents; her brother-in-law, SidneyHenderson; her son-in-law, Wayne Adams; her nephew, Jason Ruegsegger; and hergranddaughter, Miranda Giles.

Tony’s fiery spirit, unconditional love, and the unique spark she brought to the world will be profoundly missed but forever carried in the hearts of those who loved her.