Cumora Gardner Miles

September 19, 1919 ~ September 5, 2014



On September 5, 2014 – 14 days shy of her 95th birthday – surrounded by family, Cumora departed her mortal body only to be surrounded by waiting family and friends beyond the veil.

She was born on September 19, 1919, the tenth of 13 children, to Brigham and Maria Gardner in beautiful Star Valley, WY. Some of her fondest memories were of her brothers singing as they milked the cows, playing dolls with her sisters and youngest brother, and hiding in the old apple tree with a book. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing with her sisters, Maxine and Genevieve.

Her greatest love and joy were her family of five children, 19 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, and one-great-great-grandson. She provided them with examples of strength, courage, wit, perseverance, and unconditional love. She taught them important principles through her service to others and her positive attitude.

She loved poetry, creative writing, Pepsi, Rook, chocolate, sports – especially the Jazz and BYU. Democrats, traveling, scrapbooking, playing the organ, gardening, flowers, mountains, trees, and writing in her journal.

She served as a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with a firm testimony of the Gospel and a great love for her Savior. Her LDS Missions to Washington DC and London, England personified her devotion and love for her fellowman and Jesus Christ. She held many names and titles: Blanche, Cumora, Mother, Father, Mrs. Miles, 1989 Clearfield Mother of the Year, Clearfield Citizen of the Year, Pinky, Grandma, Buka, but her most cherished was Daughter of Our Heavenly Father.

She is survived by her children, George (Nancy), Randy (Sandee), Kay (Mike), Darla (G. Steve) Blodgett, and Kathi (Brent) Mayfield. She is also survived by a beloved sister, Genevieve Bullard. She was preceded in death by her great-grandson, Bradley Blodgett; her parents; her brothers, Delos, Harold, Lincoln, Darrel, Ken, and Vern Gardner; and sisters, Allie Hyde, Marguerite Konopnicki, Dorothy Cleghon, Elna Mallory, and Maxine Van Brocklin.

Her family wishes to thank the staff of Mountain Ridge Assisted Living, the devoted Hospice of Utah staff, and the Skyline Branch for the care and compassion they showed our sweet mother.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 15, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Shadow Valley LDS Chapel, 5191 Old Post Road, Ogden. Friends may visit with family on Sunday, September 14, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. and on Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be send to the Cumora G. Miles Teaching Scholarship at WSU Development Office, 1265 Village Dr., Dept 4018, Ogden, Utah 84403.