Mary Myles

MARY KATHERINE GROSS MYLES  Mary Katherine Myles, 82, of Grand Forks, ND, formerly of Harrison County, was welcomed into heaven on Sunday, November 26, 2017 at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home in Cynthiana, KY. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 2:00 P.M at Faith Evangelical Free Church in Grand Forks with a one hour visitation prior to service time. Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 beginning at 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at Amundson Funeral Home. Burial will be at Memorial Park North Cemetery also in Grand Forks.  "Mother" Mary Myles was born on June 19, 1935 in Falmouth, KY, a daughter of the late Willie T. and Loraine Allen Gross. She was reared and educated in the area, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a Bachelors in Education. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and was a member at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in (Cynthiana, KY).  On May 24, 1965 she married Dorris Myles. After their marriage they were stationed in Bitburg Germany with the US Air Force. In 1970 they moved to Grand Forks and Mary began working at Griffiths, Herbergers, Better Half, Augusta Max Women and later Walmart. Dorris passed away on May 10, 2001. Mary retired in 2003. She served many charities, including: Relay for Life, March of Dimes, along with many others that were close to her heart. She was a retired school teacher and a faithful member and Church Mother of the New Beginnings Christian Center and previously Church Mother for Gospel Outreach Ministries. Mary continued to make Grand Forks her home.  Mary was a past Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. She helped start the Grand Forks Chapter of the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People.  She was a member of the Grand Forks VFW Ladies Auxiliary and was the first African American to be President of the local Ladies Auxiliary.  Mary was also involved with (CVIC) Community Violence Intervention Center. She had many hobbies including cooking, baking, playing piano, knitting, attending social activities and service to her community. Mary loved clothes and loved to get dressed up. Her greatest love was Jesus and her family.  Mother Myles said that she and Dorris “Came to Grand Forks and made a difference”.   She is survived by 2 sons; William (Traci) Myles of Grand Forks, ND, David (Tammy) Myles of Dayton, MN, 7 grandchildren; William Jr., Mikayla, Izaak, D.J., Jackson, Taylor, and Jayden Myles, several siblings; Pete Gross, Joe Gross, Johnny Gross, Melvin Gross, Ann Page, Skip, Pat, Carrie Ann, Gary, and many other loving family members that she treasured.   She was preceded in death by a daughter; Teresa Myles and a brother; Duke Gross. Simply put: Mother Myles will be greatly missed.  Her infection smile, laughter and wisdom was a blessing to all that she met. She was a teacher at heart who was always willing to stop, take time to listen, offer a kind word and lift you to greater heights when done.   For those who knew her their lives were greatly enriched.   In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be given to Amundson Funeral Home (2975 S 42nd St, Grand Forks, ND 58201) or through a GoFundMe account www.gofundme.com/mary-k-myles-funeral-expenses in her name to help offset funeral expenses.  The family wishes to thank all of you for the love, care and support you extended to our Mom.