In Remembrance Of
Mary Lee Chiles
Mary Lee Chiles,88, of Smithville, MO passed away September 1, 2017. She spent her last days surrounded by family and friends and was lifted by the thoughts and prayers of many.
Mary Lee was born on April 19, 1929 to Lee and Theodore Blank in Topeka, KS. She spent her first 13 years there and then moved to Independence, MO where she made lifelong friends and met her future husband David R. Chiles M.D. In high school, Mary Lee excelled in drama and speech, winning state awards in both. She loved to dance. After high school, she attended Central Methodist University for a year, enjoying the study of Modern Dance.
She and David married in 1949, spending six years in St. Louis before moving to Smithville, MO in 1955 where David started his medical practice. Mary Lee said she would stay five years. She lived there 62 years where she raised their six children, made many dear friends, served on city council for 15 years and was executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. Mary Lee and David also mentored several young people, helping them reach their potential. She made the best use of all her talents in everything from child rearing to politics. She was proud to be an American and vote for the first African American President and to get a chance to vote for the first women presidential candidate.
She was preceded in death by her husband David R. Chiles M.D., father Theodore Blank, mother Lee Patton White, step-father Harry J. White, and brother Ted Blank and wife Kate.
Mary Lee is survived by her six children, Patton Chiles, Perrin Riggs (Rick), Penny Chiles, Paula Chiles (Doug Magden), Paige Chiles (Brian) and Dave Chiles (Cheryl); grandchildren Lee Hasegawa, David Hasegawa (Jennifer), and Perrin Carrell (Michelle) and great-grandchildren Hannah and Henry. She was beloved by her family and friends. Mary Lee was a force of nature and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Memorial Service: 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 9th with visitation from 1:00-2:00 prior to the service at Community of Christ Church, Smithville, MO
Private family inurnment.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Macular Degeneration Association
Arrangements by Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville
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Comments & condolences
13 comments
Katherine Phillips
May the Lord walk with you and heal your hearts. We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
All our love,
Mike and Kathy Phillips
Pam Petty
I have so many wonderful memories with Mary Lee. We worked for the Chamber of Commerce together, we shopped for Christmas, we talked, we laughed, we had so much fun no matter what we were doing. She gave her all, in all she did. She enjoyed and loved her family and friends. I felt a part of her family, even though I wasn’t. Mary Lee will be missed by all.
John Hixson
Dear Chiles Family,
As a young boy, I was admitted to Smithville Hospital under the care of your father. My parents spoke often of and with affection for Dr. and Mrs. Chiles. I am living proof that Dr. and Mrs. Chiles had long-lasting and caring impact in the world. Please know they, and you, are in our dearest thoughts.
Lisa Jones
I’m sorry for the passing of your dear mother. I knew her as a young girl while in Smithville. Her genuine care and concern for all those who encountered her was evident. She will be greatly missed.
Helen Smtih Crawford
We the Family of Velma Smith Harris And the Late Jack Smith, Harold & Arlene Green Smith, Helen Smith Crawford, Genice Smith Read &Steven , Judy Smith Hughes & Duke, And Anita Smith Burchit & Bill wish to extended our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers to your family whom we have know and loved for many years . Your mother was an Angel here on earth just as she is in heaven now except she now has her wings. God Bless all of you
David&Janet Anderson
We are sorry for your loss,our prayers and thoughts are with you . David and I grew up together , spent a lot of time at the Chiles house, Mary Lee put up with a lot of your shenanigans. I will always remember that smile and that special laugh she had. I guess she did so we could help out number the girls . She was stuck with me as her husband gave birth to me in 1958..Mary Lee will always have a special place in my heart
Virgie Chiles Alexander
I remember some wonderful Christmas Eve celebrations with many generations of Chiles’ crowded around the table and marching around the parlor Christmas tree that touched the 10 ft. ceiling. Family is so important and your mom was the glue that held your big family close. May your tears soon be replaced with great memories!
Janie Chiles Patterson
I just got the news of my Aunt Mary Lee’s passing.l know this is a very sad time for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. I loved Aunt Mary Lee! She was so much fun! She had so much energy and spunk and she was so full of life. She always made me laugh. I stayed with you all for a little while when I was 16 and she helped me come out of my shell. I will never forget that. She was a wonderful person! Love , Janie Chiles Patterson
Kathy Shilt
Mary Lee was the best sister-in-law ever to my Mom, Kate Blank! I remember how lovingly she welcomed her into the family back in 1973, and all the rest of us as well. I loved her fun personality, spunk, and infectious laugh! She had a heart full of generosity and kindness , and left a positive impact on those who knew her.
Mary Lee loved fiercely, and was fiercely loved!
She has left a wonderful legacy and all of our lives have been enriched by knowing her.
Though she will be sadly missed…it’s comforting to know that she’s now dancing with the angels and at peace in heaven with the Lord and the loved ones who went before her.
Sending my love and deepest condolences to all of her wonderful family.
Tad Blank
Aunt Mary Lee was a one of a kind; full of life, laughter and family stories. We will miss her very much and especially thinking of her today. Tad & Kathy
Joyce Chiles Hines
Dear Aunt Mary Lee, you will certainly be missed. My memories of you will always be of my fun loving Aunt who gave so much joy to her nieces and nephews. I loved so much visiting you and Uncle David in Smithville and playing in the back yard of your lovely home. For some reason, I keep hearing the sounds of doves. I heard them a lot in your backyard while playing with my little cousins. My love is sent to all. I have come to know a neighbor of yours through D.A.R. — Molly Morton. She relayed lots of fond memories of you too. Looking forward to a time when we will all meet up again. Until then my memories are sweet. Love, Joyce
Kathy Bartley Killebrew
Dear sweet Chiles family: I fell in love with your mom and dad from the minute I met them at Doug and Linda’s wedding. Your dad was alot like mine and your mom-we connected immediately because we both had a love of dance!! Your mom is dancing with the angels now in the arms of your dad, and I hope that brings you some peace. With heartfelt sincerity and love to all of you from Paula’s old college roomy, work-mate, and current friend just reunited…. Kathy K.
Donna Magden & Patrick Coon
Dear Chiles Family,
Although I had not seen Mary Lee for several years, I will remember her love of life and family.
Hoping your loving memories will bring you peace and comfort.
With love & gratitude,
Donna & Patrick