Helen Brown

Helen Beth Giles Brown, beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away with her family by her side on August 19, 2017. Beth was born on June 30, 1929 in Provo UT to Alton Bateman Giles and Donna Thomas Giles in Provo UT. She grew up in Provo surrounded by Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles andh cousins. Beth graduated from Provo High School and went on to attend BYU.

She married James Floyd Brown on June 28, 1950. Her married life was spent in Ogden UT. She had three beautiful children, Carol, Jay and Allyson. Beth loved politics and spent many years working in the Democratic Party. The highlight of this service was working on the JFK campaign to include attending the convention where JFK was nominated and then his inauguration. She also worked on President Jimmy Carter’s campaign as well as Representative Gunn McKay’s campaign and managed his office while he served. She made many wonderful friends while doing this. Beth was instrumental in civil defense efforts along with the PTA, making sure schools were prepared for emergencies. Instead of a midlife crisis Beth went back to college and earned a degree in Gerontology. This enabled her to work many years for the Department of Aging as an Ombudsman. Beth was a fierce champion for at risk senior citizens. She was always for those in need because of a tender heart.  Her clients loved her, staying in touch for many years, even after she retired. Beth loved shopping and could always find a great bargain that she freely shared with her loved ones.

One of Beth’s proudest accomplishments in life was her family. She included all the family in her political adventures. Everyone learned many things especially the love of the political process, the miracle of our government and the ability to make a difference.

Beth had one of the kindest hearts ever known. She was always looking out for the person needing a little help or a kind word. It was never a surprise for her ask if we could set another place at the dinner table because she was bringing someone with her. She exemplified the phrase “just love one another” which was her final advice to us.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation and thanks to the wonderful women of the Gathering Place. Everyone there was so kind and loving to our mother.

Beth was greeted by her parents, husband, daughter Allyson, grandson Jayson, brothers Bert and Tom, sister Alta Peay and many others as she passed through the veil. She is survived by her daughter Carol (Jim) Hanzelka, Stansbury Park, her son Jay (Vernita), Cottonwood Heights, eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchldren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at her son’s home at 7121 Cherry Tree Lane, Cottonwood Heights UT on Friday, August 25th from 6-8pm. Friends and Family are invited to join us at that time.  Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 12:00 noon at the Fish Haven, Idaho cemetery. Friends and family are invited to attend. A luncheon will be held at 760 South Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City UT immediately after.