Hilda Tajbel Giles, of Hewitt, peacefully passed away at home on Saturday, January 6, 2018.
Hilda was born September 30, 1931 in Zemun, Yugoslavia as the oldest of three daughters born to Joseph Tajbel and Katherina (Luks) Tajbel. The family immigrated to the United States to escape World War II, where they eventually settled in Eugene, Oregon after residing in Wisconsin and California.
Hilda was an accomplished artist with numerous paintings and works of art bearing her signature. Using her innate talent as a graphic designer for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, she created beautiful art by hand.Fellow Hallmark employee, Stan Giles would later become her husband in 1960. The couple became a family with the births of Stan, Sonja and Gregg. Stan’s Army career moved the family to numerous locations across the U.S. and Germany, before eventually returning to Lees Summit, Missouri.
Always one with a desire to learn, Hilda received her bachelors and masters in art history degrees respectively from Evangel University and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. She and Stan moved to Hewitt in 2004 to be closer to their children, where Hilda continued her art with painting and beautiful gardens at their home. She was a member of several art organizations, exhibited her paintings at fine art shows, and shared her artistic talent as an educator at the college level. Hilda enjoyed classical music and loved to sing as a member of the Baylor Singing Seniors.
Left to cherish her memory and her works of art are her devoted husband of 57 years, Stan Giles; children, Stan Giles (wife, Kim) of Hewitt, Sonja Giles Childress (husband, Tim) of Axtell and Gregg Giles (fiancé, Eunice) of San Francisco. Grandchildren include Caleb Childress (wife, Rachel) of Waco, Chelsea Childress (fiancé, Lewis) of Waco and Alex Giles (wife, Ashley) of Kentucky. Hilda is also survived by sisters, Esther Mitchell (husband, Dick) and Ingrid Stopp (husband, Michael), along with several nieces and nephews, and special church friends.
Hilda shared her strong faith with many over the years, blessing her children at every visit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army in Waco. Very special thanks to Patricia Quiñonez with Bluebonnet Hospice for her gentle loving care of Hilda during her brief illness.
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
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Dear Giles Family,
Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.
May God bless and keep each of you,
The Owners and Staff of Bluebonnet Health Services (Hospice)
Stan, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing from this life. I know the pain of losing a mother. It will take some time to adjust to your loss. But I also know , in time, that God will heal your heart. I will remember you and your family in my prayers. May God give you strength for the days ahead and give you peace.
I know the past few years have been very difficult for Hilda and the family. I also know you will miss her but be comforted by the knowledge she is whole again and in the presence of our LORD. Love and prayers!
Gloria and John Hill
Mr. Giles, we are so sorry to hear of Hilda’s passing. You and your family are in our prayers. May fond memories, family, and friends bring peace.
Chris & Bill Bone