Emilie Bell Giles

68, a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas, died Sunday, September 1, 2019, at her home. She was born April 15, 1951 in Paris, Texas, the daughter of Alvin and Emilie Cummings Bell.

Emilie was a woman of deep Christian faith and spent much of her life in service to others and her Lord Jesus Christ. She spent nearly 40 years in some form of involvement with Bible Study Fellowship International as a Student, Leader and Children’s Area Coordinator. Emilie was very active in the Methodist church. She and her husband, Don, taught the confirmation class for many years at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas. After moving to Leavenworth, Kansas in 1992, Emile and Don joined The First United Methodist Church where they taught the junior and senior high students. For the past 20 years, they have been members of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas where they served together as greeters and communion stewards.

Emilie graduated as salutatorian from Prairie Grove High School in 1969. In 1973, she graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Education with high honors. While in college, Emilie was the honor pledge of her sorority, Chi Omega. Other memberships included Angel Flight, which represented the Air Force ROTC, Kappa Delta Pi, the honorary society for students in the College of Education, Order of Omega, which recognized the outstanding Greeks on campus and Mortar Board, an honor society recognizing scholarship and leadership on campus.

Throughout her life in Arkansas and Kansas, Emilie was involved in P.E.O., Whittier Club, served on the House Corporation Boards of both Psi and Lambda Chapters of Chi Omega and many other charitable organizations.

Emilie was an avid sports fan and loved the Jayhawks, the Razorbacks, the Chiefs and the Royals. But her greatest joy was cheering on her grandson, Liam, in his various activities.

Emilie was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Emilie Cummings Bell and her in-laws, William and Dean Giles.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Donald “Don” C. Giles of the home, one daughter, Sara G. Smartt and husband, Jeremy K. Smartt, along with one grandson, William “Liam” T. Smartt all of Escondido, California, as well as brother-in-law, Roger W. Giles and wife, Carolyn and daughter, Lilly all of Magnolia, Arkansas.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019 - 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection - 13720 Roe Avenue - Leawood, KS 66224. A Reception to follow at the church Fellowship Hall.

Graveside services will be held Monday, September 9, 2019 – 10:00 A.M. in the Prairie Grove Cemetery Pavilion. A Reception following the graveside service in the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Prairie Grove.

Many of you have expressed wishes to honor Emilie. Donations may be given in lieu of flowers to the following organizations:
Bible Study Fellowship International at https://www.bsfinternational.org/support/give-to-bsf
or
The University of Kansas Health System at https://www.kansashealthsystem.com/giving
*Gift Designation: Cancer Care

How loved and blessed we feel by all of you! Your prayers of peace and reflections of Emilie have comforted us. Thank you, Don, Sara, Jeremy and Liam.

Online guest book, www.luginbuel.com