Betty Jean Giles and Jerome Lionel Giles With sadness we

Betty Jean Giles and Jerome Lionel Giles With sadness we announce the passing of Betty Jean Giles on October 16, 2023, and her husband Jerome Lionel Giles on January 19, 2025. Betty Jean was born on July 20, 1929 in Amarillo, Texas to Elaine and Roy Kuykendall. The family moved often during the Depression, finally settling down in Albuquerque during the 1940s. Jerome Lionel (Jerry to his friends) was born in Denison, Texas on March 9, 1931. His parents were Ella and Jesse Giles. His family also settled in Albuquerque during the 1940s. Betty and Jerry met when they were both attending Albuquerque High School, and they married in June of 1951 while they were both students at The University of New Mexico. Betty earned her degree in Chemistry and Jerry earned his degree in Engineering. Life became busy as they were blessed with three children over the next few years. Betty worked as a homemaker and for a while as a chemist. Once the children were older, she worked for the Albuquerque Public School District as a substitute teacher. After that, Betty earned her real estate license and worked as an agent for a time. From childhood Betty had a natural talent for drawing and painting. In her late 50s she decided to develop that talent by returning to UNM, and she earned a second degree, this time in Fine Arts. She was a member of The Pastel Society, and some of her work was exhibited at The New Mexico State Fair. Jerry worked for Mountain Bell Telephone/AT&T for 34 years as an engineer, contributing his expertise to important projects over the years. After retirement, Jerry worked for H&R Block during tax season, and he helped many satisfied clients with their taxes year after year. Betty and Jerry loved each other deeply for more than 75 years, and they shared their love with family members, friends, neighbors and coworkers. They especially enjoyed camping every summer with their children, and later on, with their grandchildren. They were longtime members of a local trailer club. Betty and Jerry were preceded in death by their parents, by Betty's sister Mary Martin, and by their son David Giles (wife Julie). They are survived by Jerry's brothers John Giles and Don Giles (wife Bonnie). Their surviving children are Laura Cleveland (husband Roland) and James Giles. They have three grandchildren, Jason Giles (wife Sara), Sara Goldwater (husband Wes) and Daniel Giles. They also have three great-grandchildren, Emmett Giles, Brie Goldwater and Nora Giles. There will be a graveside service at Sunset Memorial Park on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. to inter their ashes, followed by a gathering at their longtime home here in Albuquerque.