of Cabot, AR
February 9, 1948 - October 22, 2014
Mary Kathleen Miles (DeRusse), of Cabot, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, October 22, at the age of 66. She remained always a devoted mother, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her.
Mary was born in Seminole, Oklahoma, on February 9, 1948, the second of five children of William Harold and Leola Cummings Miles. She moved with her family away from Oklahoma in January, 1966, but she never lost her passion for her beloved Oklahoma Sooners. Her proudest accomplishments in life occurred during the next 14 years while she lived in Texas. Her sons, Darryl and Casey Vannoy, were both born in Texas. Darryl has gone on to make his home in Mary's home state of Oklahoma and Casey proudly calls Arkansas his home. After moving to Arkansas in 1979, Mary was captivated by the natural beauty of her new home and adopted it as her own. She especially enjoyed showing off the state's wonders to family when they came to visit.
While Mary's heart was devoted to the raising of her sons, she also silently exhibited the incredible work ethic that was the other side of her being. She accepted a position with the VA hospital in Little Rock in January, 1980, as a teletype operator. She retired in April, 2012, as Patient Accounts Manager, overseeing a multimillion dollar budget. Second to her sons, Mary was very devoted to the quality of care to our nation's veterans.
In the last several years of her life, Mary was learning how to enjoy retirement. She had developed an appreciation of photography along with her sister, Nancy. They enjoyed numerous photo safaris together across Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas. She also enjoyed the many traveling adventures with her life partner, William Harvey. Prior to her illness, Mary became a Master Naturalist and volunteered as secretary to the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists organization where she also enjoyed teaching special classes for children.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and brother Michael Andrew. She is survived by her sons Darryl and Casey, brother William Miles, Jr., his wife Jackie, and sisters Nancy Miller and Elizabeth Miles, and two nephews.
The family will have a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Arkansas Cancer Society, 901 N. University, Little Rock, AR 72203, the Little Rock SPCA, Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Col. Glenn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211, or the Central Arkansas Master Naturalists, arkansasmasternaturalists.org.
Arrangements are by Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 72116 (501-791-7400).
Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens
I miss you my dear friend. You came into my life when we were 7 years old. We remained friends through out the years. I love you and your family and you will never be forgotten. My heart is full of so many wonderful memories. My heart and prayers go out to your family.
We worked together for many years, I sold Mary two houses and she was someone I could share anything with & knew it was just between us. Now that is a true friend! She Wilber missed by many.
My heart is sincerely heavy for my childhood friend with whom recently reunited on FB. My sisters and I always tell stories when we get together of the Miles sisters in Seminole where we had the perfect FUN childhood, building huts and can intercoms and did gymnastics til dark in an empty lot. Much love to Mary Kay's family.
Mary was my supervisor for 4 years and I also considered her my friend. She will be greatly missed.
Everyone that knew Mary knew her love and pride in her family, her love of nature and her staunch support of the Sooners! Working with her at the VA was a special privilege. She was one of the handful of employees who's vast knowledge and experience could not be replicated. Remembering her so much now, especially the time we drove to Minneapolis MN together - a once in a lifetime trip. Darryl and Casey you have my sympathy and i want you to know that your Mom is missed . Her VA legacy will live on for many years to come.
Mary became my mentor and good friend over the years. She was a beautiful woman inside and out. I was lucky to be a part of some of her adventures and wonderful adventures they were. I will miss you very much Mary.
Darryl....Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Even though I did not know your mom in person...she is responsible for giving me my best friend. A great woman indeed. GOD BLESS!
Darryl and Casey,
Your mother was a wonderful woman. Warm, caring, loving, and full of integrity; she was a blessing to us all. I pray for Gods comfort and love for you both at this sorrowful time. Deona Schut (DeRusse)
I can't begin to tell you how much Mary effected my life. She was a mentor in my VA career and a true friend in my personal life. She will be more than missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darryl, I'm very sorry for your loss!!! My hugs & prayers go out to you & your family!!
Darryl I am so sorry to hear about your Mother.
So sorry for your loss. Know her sons were so special to her! Prayers for your family.
Darryl, Casey, I am so sorry about your Mother. I always enjoyed being around her. She loved you boys so much and was always so kind to my Mom which meant allot to me. She will be missed. God bless you both.
Darryl & Casey, I am sorry for your loss. Your mother always made me feel welcome and at home (although she sometimes scared me as a child). She was a wonderful mother. And i am very glad i could call her my friend.
Darryl and family. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart and prayers are always with you.
Darryl and Casey, so very sorry for your loss. Nothing can replace the unconditional love that comes from a Mom. May the memories of her love bring you comfort and peace. Please know that she will always be with you. Take care.
I worked with Mary for as long as I can remember. We closely worked together the latter years of our service. How many times did I hear her say "I realize that Connie, but that's not what the regs say". She loved to call me at my desk or nod her head toward her office for me to come and hear the latest snarky remarks about what I had missed! She always asked me how I was doing. After she retired she wrote the snarky remarks via facebook! We never made it to having lunch for whatever reason. That makes me sad. I will miss her. She loved her OU and her family. Darryl and Casey we know all about you! Prayers for you all.
Darryl, Casey and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
I can never explain what Mary meant to me, she was a true friend if ever there was one. I met her on my first day of work in April 1985 as she was assigned to take me to lunch and show me the ropes. As our friendship grew she was there for me, standing up for me at my wedding, holding hands with me at my divorce, sharing knowledge and experiences. I always admired her - the way she loved her boys and struggled to always do her best for them, the way she pinched a penny, the unending dedication she had to her work and serving veterans. I learned so much from her and my life was forever better having her as a friend.
I pray that you all find peace in the knowledge that her hard work is done and her well deserved rest is achieved. May you carry her love with you in your hearts and minds all of your days. Her memory will live on in those of us who cherished her.
Sorry for your loss.Mary was one of my favorite bosses while at the VA.Praying for the family.
Darryl and Casey, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary was not only my mother but also my best friend. She will be missed. I love you, Mom.
To Darryl and Casey your Mother was a wonderful lady..When I knew her best she was a good friend and I love being around her..You were her pride and joy's.She will be missed..
Thoughts and prayers for the family of this sweet long time friend and coworker.
I am so sorry for your loss, grew up next door to the Miles family. We had so much fun being friends and neighbors. Mary I know you with the angels and you will be sorely missed.