Extracted from The Albany Democrat-Herald (Albany, OR)
Thursday, March 8, 2012

Margaret Helen Slocum Miles
Feb. 17, 1942 -- Feb. 19, 2012

Margaret Helen Slocum Miles “Me-ma,” 70, died suddenly Feb. 19 in her sleep.

Margaret was raised in Lone Pine, La.; however she lived in Albany for 33 years before moving to Gilbert, Ariz., 16 years ago.

She worked for Arctic Circle Restaurant for 30 years and became manager after one year. She worked for 30 years at Willamette Speedway on weekends. When she moved to Arizona, she had an in-home daycare which she loved. The children she cared for became grandchildren to her. She was known as Me-ma by her whole family.

She raised three children on her own: Diann Strange and Dallas Strange of Fort Worth, Texas, and Linda Day of San Tan Valley, Ariz. Her stepchildren, who she adored, were William “Billy” Miles of Hopewell, Va., and Chuck Miles of Salem. She also had five grandchildren, Tyler and Chantel Day, Michelle Oler, and Brittanie and April Strange; and many stepgrandchildren. Margaret had three sisters, Betty Ray of Chenneyville, La., Pat McDaniel of Bossier City, La., and Linda Cole of Albany.

She joins her deceased husband, Bill Miles “Pa-pa”; father Roy Slocum; stepmother Mizra Slocum; mother Pearl Slocum; and baby brother Roy Slocum Jr.

All who came into contact with her will never forget her. Her big smiles and hardy laugh will be missed greatly.

“So many loves ones, friends and the little ones you babysat are saying hurry back Me-ma.”

A celebration of life for her and Pa-pa will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at Nandos Restaurant in Gilbert, Ariz.