Anita Marie Miles

March 29, 1937 - January 19, 2022

Anita Marie Miles (nee Adams) was born on March 29, 1937 in Palmer, Nebraska to Orville and Bessie Adams. Anita passed peacefully on January 19, 2022 at her Oregon City, Oregon home surrounded by her family. She was 84 years old. As a small girl, Anita's family moved from Nebraska to Oregon, eventually settling on a small farm in Gladstone, Oregon. One of 9 living children, Anita learned to cook, can and bake from her mom and tending to and processing the many animals from her dad. Gladstone did not have it's own high school, so Anita attended West Linn and was very involved in music, drama, and other clubs. Athletic and quite bright with a talent for music, she did well in school and was rather popular. She graduated from West Linn HS in June 1955. Anita then attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon. Following her education there, she worked for the Steele Clinic in Oregon City as a radiology technician. Dr. Steele was quite fond of Anita, and his pet name for her was 'Peanut.' In the summer of 1957, she met the love of her life, Jerry Miles where he was playing baseball at Sckavone Field in Portland, OR. They eloped in March 1958, settling in the Gladstone, Oregon. Through several moves around the Gladstone area, they welcomed 4 children, Michele Elizabeth, Perry Alan, Barry Lee, and Cynthia Kathleen (Cyndi). In September 1965, they moved to Canby, Oregon. Jerry worked as a long-haul truck driver, while Anita worked part time at the local cannery. Their family home burned to the ground in the Fall of 1967, and the young family lived with Anita's parents and then Jerry's parents before settling in another small home in Canby. Anita worked for then Fairview Hospital in Salem, OR. Driving home from her graveyard shift one early morning, she was in a car accident which nearly took her life. During the lengthy hospital stay it was discovered Anita was pregnant with her 5th child. In September 1968, Anita and Jerry welcomed Julie Ann. Following Jerry's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 1969, Anita and Jerry decided to return to college in hopes of improving their ability to provide for their family. Anita earned her Associates Degree in Accounting from Clackamas Community College and found a job in the college's business office as the Accounts Payable Associate. She remained there until her retirement in 1997. In the Spring of 1970, Anita and Jerry fulfilled a dream and built a home on a corner acre donated to them from Jerry's parents 80-acre family farm. During this time, their children were becoming very involved in sports, theater, and music, and Anita, despite maintaining a full-time job at the college and caring for her husband, never missed a game, a match, or a performance for her kids. She supported all of her husband's ambitions, and continued to volunteer at Gladstone Christian church, serving as a deaconess and playing the organ for services. She was also an active member of the Warner Grange. A lifelong member of Gladstone Christian Church, she started playing the organ for services, weddings, and funerals at age 12 and was faithful in serving in that capacity until her retirement at age 81. She attended nearly every Sunday and when she could no longer drive, her son, Barry, took her. Once Covid hit, Barry assisted so she was able to attend 'online' services. Anita was a 'Beaver Believer' and supported Oregon State Athletics. Barry was on the wrestling squad and Cyndi was on the fast pitch softball team. Perry also graduated from Oregon State. Anita and Jerry purchased 20 acres from his parent's estate in Oregon City and built their final home created with wider doorways and a roll in shower to accommodate Jerry's wheelchair. Many events, celebrations and holidays were hosted there where no one was a stranger. Their family grew as the children married and had children of their own. Anita's grandchildren have many fond memories of growing up 'on the land.' During the 33 plus years of Jerry's illness, Anita attended to his every need, fully and completely embracing the vow 'in sickness and in health.' As Jerry's disease progressed, Anita was there, never complaining and always supporting with a smile and joy that came from the Lord. It was this continual joy that changed Jerry's life and he accepted the Lord and served Him until his death on March 20, 2001. This was an answer to Anita's prayers. Following Jerry's passing, Anita spent some time traveling with her sisters Gwen, Ramona, and Pat. Anita continued to serve at her church, participate in Grange activities including setting up exhibit displays and baking cookies at the Clackamas County Fair. She loved on her 13 grandchildren, never distinguishing between those born to the family and those who she acquired through marriage. She enjoyed singing, playing the piano and organ, reading, doing crosswords and puzzles, and attending her grandchildren's activities. It was during the latter part of her life that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Youngest daughter, Julie, became her primary caregiver, faithfully and cheerfully serving her all the way up to Anita's passing on January 19, 2022. Anita is survived by her five children and their spouses: Michele (Paul) Summerlin, Perry (Pamela) Miles, Barry Miles, Cyndi (Archie) Lamontagne, Julie (Dean) Morris along with 13 grandchildren: Jonathan Summerlin, Marissa (Daniel) Miller, Justin Anderson, Karissa Anderson, Kiara Miles, Israel Miles, Ambra Harvey (Daniel), Taylor Hensley, Cheilsey Miles, Victoria Lamontagne, Cody Lamontagne, Jasmine (Bryan) Pettitt, Aaron Morris, and 8 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Ron Adams, Gwen Marsh and Ramona Anderson and 35 nieces and nephews as well as their children and their children's children. She was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 43 years, Jerry Alan Miles, her parents, Orville and Bessie Adams, her siblings Elizabeth Meaney, Orville Adams, Patricia Kraxberger, Donald Adams, Kathleen Adams, and Richard Adams and 6 nieces and nephews. Anita loved Jesus and held him close up until her final breath. She was ready to go home and is now in the loving arms of her savior. This was what she wanted for everyone - to know and have a personal relationship with God. Anita's memorial will be held at Gladstone Christian Church on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 11 a.m. A light luncheon will be provided in the church's fellowship hall following the service. Arrangements are by Holman-Hankins-Bowker & Waud, www.waudsfuneralservice.com. Donations to honor Anita's memory may be given to Gladstone Christian Church. The Celebration of Life will be live: Anita Memorial Service - YouTube