RETURN TO OBITUARIES

Mildred Jo Millie Giles

Mildred Jo “Millie” Giles of Denton, TX, formerly of Bradford, went to her eternal rest on Tuesday November 26, 2019.

She was the daughter of the late Samuel William Giles and June C. Giles, who survives of Bradford.

Millie married Robert L. Erdle on August 21,1976, he preceded her in death on January 30, 2006.

She and her husband served as faculty members, together at the University of North Texas for many years. After her husband’s death she was appointed Coordinator of the Watercolor Concentration.

Millie Giles held degrees in: Master of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing;

Master of Arts in Painting; Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education. At one point in her career, she served as Director of the Chautauqua Art Association Galleries, in Chautauqua, NY. For over twenty-five years she was the critic for the VAST Painters of Denton TX. The co-owner of Watercolor World Wide Inc., she accompanied painters to exotic spots throughout the world to paint during the summer months. After retiring, she volunteered at both the Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. But the greatest honor of her life involved designing the 30-foot CORETEN Steel Firefighters 911 Memorial Bell Tower for the Denton Firefighters.

Although she left Bradford many years ago, Millie never forgot the sound of the oil wells pumping at night as a child and never stopped missing the hills.

Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery where she walked many an afternoon with her grandmother.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at hollenbeckcahill.com

 

 

HOLLENBECK-CAHILL Funeral Home

33 South Avenue • Bradford, PA 16701

All Condolences -

I was very sad to hear of your loss. Millie was a childhood friend on Fisher Court! My sisters and I played everyday with Millie and to this day recall all the adventures we shared. The best were the variety shows we put on for the neighborhood with Millie directing our outfits and backs! Prayers for June and the family.
— Anne Sinibaldi Herzing

I was very sorry to hear about Millie. She was the first one who introduced me to watercolor and later she and Rob became my friends. I always will be grateful I knew them. They inspired me to do many things. Especially travel. They changed my life forever.
— Jim Bilgere

I am saddened to learn of Millie''s passing. I traveled with her and Rob to Switzerland and around Europe. She and Rob were the two most influential artists in my life and career. I ran into both of them once in early 2001 and they met my then young son. I was shocked they knew where I had moved and was living. Thank you Millie, Thank you Rob. Your influence lives on in my work and life. Rest in peace and until we meet again.
— Amanda Gaston Ballew

I''m so sorry to hear this, Millie was the first person to teach me watercolor and then later her husband Rob
— Jim Bilgere

I adored Millie''s spirit and her talent. She was my art professor my first semester at UNT and I''m forever grateful for her dedication and wisdom in the craft. Her energy was unforgettable and I''m honoured to have the fortune of studying under her.
— Brian A Irvin

Millie was my art teacher at Bradford high, 71 to 73....many fond memories..she greatly influenced me in my art and self esteem...
— David M Wells

I had the honor of being Millie’s first graduate student for an MFA in Watercolor. We worked together very closely (sharing a tiny office) for several years and I gained a deep respect and love for her. She has shaped who I am as an artist and as a person. She will always be held very dearly in my heart and I’ll miss her.
— Beth Gouldin

Millie was an extremely talented and dedicated teacher and a wonderful painter. She also had a rich sense of humor, a love of her "homes" in Texas, Chatauqua and Bradford and a great appreciation for design and craftsmanship especially in art and cars! I''ll miss her. Thank you for posting the obituary.
— Judy Youngblood

One of my greatest inspirations in life and art! We will miss your Millie!!
— David Collins

Condolences

  • I was very sad to hear of your loss. Millie was a childhood friend on Fisher Court! My sisters and I played everyday with Millie and to this day recall all the adventures we shared. The best were the variety shows we put on for the neighborhood with Millie directing our outfits and backs! Prayers for June and the family.

    — Anne Sinibaldi Herzing

  • I was very sorry to hear about Millie. She was the first one who introduced me to watercolor and later she and Rob became my friends. I always will be grateful I knew them. They inspired me to do many things. Especially travel. They changed my life forever.

    — Jim Bilgere

  • I am saddened to learn of Millie''s passing. I traveled with her and Rob to Switzerland and around Europe. She and Rob were the two most influential artists in my life and career. I ran into both of them once in early 2001 and they met my then young son. I was shocked they knew where I had moved and was living. Thank you Millie, Thank you Rob. Your influence lives on in my work and life. Rest in peace and until we meet again.

    — Amanda Gaston Ballew

  • I''m so sorry to hear this, Millie was the first person to teach me watercolor and then later her husband Rob

    — Jim Bilgere

  • I adored Millie''s spirit and her talent. She was my art professor my first semester at UNT and I''m forever grateful for her dedication and wisdom in the craft. Her energy was unforgettable and I''m honoured to have the fortune of studying under her.

    — Brian A Irvin

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Bradford, PA 16701
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